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f^^^^^i:^ 


OWN    HEROES. 


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§  THRILLING  J^ ARRATIVE.  ^i^ 


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'Mi 


BY  "DOLLIB"  AND  "MOLLIB.* 


VOLUME  I. 


ATLANTA,   GA.: 

OFFICE   OF    "THE  SOLDIER'S   FRIEND.' 


^ 


f 

^3 


George  Washington  Flowers 
Memorial  Collection 

DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 


ESTABLISHED  BY  THE 
FAMILY  OF 

COLONEL  FLOWERS 


.  >5  OUR 

Ij) 


OWN    HEROES. 


I 


THRILLING  NARRATIVE. 


BY  "DOLLIE"  AND  "MOLLIS." 


VOLUME  I. 


ATLANTA,   GA.: 

OFFICE    OF    "  THE   SOLDIER's    FRIEND. 
1863. 


r\cu,^fK  ^ 


OUR    OWN    HEROES 


> 

CHAPTER  I. 


A  little  cloud  appearo  in  the  North  East,  the  land  of 
miasma  and  storms.  At  first  it  attracts  little  attention. — ■ 
Gradually  it  attracts  to  itself  other  vaporous  matter — it 
grows  rapidly.  The  low,  muttering  thunder  can  be  heard. 
Now  the  black  flakes  of  cloud  roll  mountain  high.  The 
"forked  ton-jued  lightning"  fla.<?he3  athwart  the  angry 
heavens.  The  continent  is  shrouded  in  darkness.  The 
"  leaden  hail  stones"  begin  to  fall.  A  thousand  chieftains 
and  a  half  million  of  heroes,  as  brave  as  ever  drew  a  sword, 
rush  to  the  rescue  at  the  first  tap  of  the  drum. 

We  are  to  be  "  whipped  into  subjection  "  to  the  avari- 
cious Puritan.  The  ri'ghts  of  sovereign  States  are  no 
longer  to  be  acknowledged.  The  galling  chains  of  slavery 
were  wrought  for  us  by  the  most  degraded  would-be  masters. 
The  proud  cavalier  is  to  "  tip  his  hat  "  to  the  haughty, 
persecuting,  infidel  Puritan,  whose  highest  idea  of  liberty 
is  to  appropriate  it  all  to  himself,  and  persecute  others. 
"  Gain  "  is  his  God,  *'  En<ls,  without  any  reference  to 
means,"  is  his  motto.  The  making  of  *'  wooden  nutmegs," 
"wooden  canvassed  hams,"  "paper-sole  shoes,"  arid  the 
like,  constitute   his    employment.     Such  are   some    of  the 


4  OUR   OWN   HEROES. 

bistoric  features  of  the  people  who,  trampling  the  constitu* 
tion  of  the  country  under  their  feet,  deluged  the  country 
in  blood.  To  them  must  .be  attributed  the  guilt  of  the 
present  awful  struggle.  They  have  murdered  our  brothers, 
insulted  our  mothers  and  sisters,  imprisoned  our  fatherS) 
desolated  our  fields,  burnt  our  houses,  and  enveloped  the 
whole  country  in  gloom.  To  rescue  our  land  from  a  worse 
than  Egyptian  bondage,  our  noble  jTiuth,  and  many  gray- 
headed  sires,  formed  themselves  into  "  warrior  bands." 

Each  State  seemed  to  vie  Vith  h 9^. sister  States  in  her 
efforts  to  meet  and  repel  the  invader.  "  Yoii  must'be  our 
Captain/'  "  Yo^i  must  be  our  Lieutenant,"  were  expressions 
familiar  to  all.  '' I  am  not  competent/'  •' Elect  some  one 
else/'  were  responses  quite  as  common.  "  Take  him  for  an 
officer  who  can  lead  us  Dest/'  was  the  motto  of  our  generous 
Sand  brave  sons. 

The  stirring  times  found  Albert  B.  and  his  gallant  com- 
rades in  the  hasty  bivouac,  where  the  "  blue  canopy  was 
their  covering.''  In  the  organization  of  the  company  Al- 
bert was  unanimously  chosen  Captain;  not  because  he 
sought  the  pkce,  nor  because  he  was  the  intellectual  supe- 
rior of  all  the  others;  but  as  the  office  must  be  filled  by 
some  one  and  he  was  competent  to  fill  it,  his  comrades  hon- 
ored him  with  being  their  chief.  When  he  was  declared 
unanimously  elected,  he  arose  and  spake  as  follows  :  ''  I  feel 
the  compliment  you  have  conferred  upon  me,  fellow  sol- 
diers; but  I  can  say  in  all  sincerity,  that  I  regret  you  have 
made  me  your  choice.  As  I-  look  around  me,  I  see  quite  a 
number  of  my  brave  comrades,  who  are,  in  my  judgment, 
more  competent  than  myself  to  lead  you.  But  having 
been  chosen  to  lead  you,  J  will  do  the  best  I  can.  Hu- 
mane and  kind,  I  shall  strive  to  inaugurate  such  discipline 
as  will  contribiite  most  to  the  efficiency,  and  intellectual 
and  moral  good  of  those  whom  I  have  the  honor  to  lead. 
Please  accept   my   thanks  for  your   compliment,  and  rely 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  O 

upon  me  as  being  ever  ready  to  lead  you  to  the  bloody  van, 
and  to  labor  for  your  tjood  in  everj'  particular." 

There  was  one  in  this  company  whose  name  was  not  run 
for  any  oflBce.  His  worth,  as  is  often  the  case,  was  con- 
cealed under, a  reserved  manner,  and  his  real  character 
could  be  known  only  by  long  and  familiar  acquaintance,  or 
when  some  deed  of  noble  daring  was  required.  The  name 
of  this  hero  was  Ilufus  V — . 

A  few  hastily  collected  blankets,  and  a  small  trunk, 
valise,  or  sachel.  each^  was  ali  the  brg;j;age  our  brave  war- 
riors took  with  them  into  the  box  cars  into  which  they  were 
crowded,  as  they  left  for ,  the  city  in  which  their  regi- 
ment was  to  be  formed.  The  tearful  eyes  of  these  brave 
warriors  as  they  left  the  depot  bespoke  their  tender  sympa- 
thies for  home — fathers,  mothers,  sisters,  friends.  Yet 
their  manly  bearing,  their  serious  countenances,  glowing 
with  indignation  at  the  wrongs  offered  their  country,  told 
to  all  who  saw  them,  that  ii\  them  the  invaders  would  find 
warriors  '*  worthy  of  their  steel ;"  and  that  though  the  ene- 
my might  sweep  over  our  country,  it  would  not  be  until 
these  valiant  men  were  trampled  under  the  feet  of  the 
despoiler. 

All  along  the  line  of  the  railroad  could  be  seen  hand- 
kerchiefs waved  from  the  hands  of  *' maiden  beauty;'' 
while  at  every  station  flowers  were  showered  upon  them  iu 
the  greatest  profusion.  As  to  the  ''  substantial,"  as  well 
as  the  "delicacies  of  life,"  they  were  brought  by  "  lilly 
white"  hands  in  great  abundance,  and  gratuitously  distrib- 
uted among  the  soldiers. 

On  one  occasion,  when  a  beautifnl  young  lady  bad 
brought  a  large  basket  of  delicacies  to  them,  one  of  the 
soldiers  inquired  the  price.  "  Price  /"  said  she.  "  Do 
you  mean  to  insult  me,  sir  ?" 

"  0  no;  certainly  not.     I  did  not  suppose  that  you  oould 
afford  to  give  away  such  nice  cakes,  especially    since  thera-^ 
are  so  many  soldiers  passing  along  this  road." 


\d 


6  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

"  I  hope,"  rejoined  the  young  lady,  "  that  I  will  never 
grow  so  mean  as  to  sell  provisions  to  those  who  are  sacri- 
ficin^s:  everything  for  liberty.  While  my  father  has  any- 
thing to  eat,  a  hungry  soldier  shall  never  be  permitted  to 
our  house  without  something." 

Saying  this  she  handed  the  basket  into  the  ear,  blushing 
deeply  as  her  dark  eyes  fell  upon  our  hero,  V — . 

After  many  expressions  of  gratitude  to  the  fair  donor, 
the  basket  was  handed  back  to  her  and  she  handed  it  to  a 
nice  servant  girl,  who  had  b-rmight  the  basket  to  the  depot. 
The  maiden  blushinsrly  stepped  -back  a  few  paces,  and  gave 
an  occasional  glance  through  the  cars,  apparently  with  no 
other  object  than  to  give  a  look  of  approbation  upon  the 
brave  defenders  of  her  home,  but  really  to  see  him  who  had 
caused  such  strange  and  unbidden  feelings  to  rise  in  her 
heart.  Her  confusion,  however,  did  not  pass  unobserved  ; 
for  the  strong  arm  that  lifted  the  burdened  basket  into  the 
car,  had  noted  her  peculiar '*  rosy  blush."  Others,  too, 
had  observed  the  same  thing,  as  also  a  similar  confusion  in 
the  noble  Rufus. 

The  beauty,  simplicity,  and  grace,  coupled  with  the 
undoubted  patriotism  of  the  maiden,  prevented  the  men 
from  saying  anything  to  confuse  either  Rufus  or  the  fair 
stranger.  Besides,  there  was  something  so  attractive,  so 
bewitching  in  her  manners,  as  to  throw  a  "  kind  of  spell" 
over  all  who  saw  her.  Presently  the  engine  whistled,  the 
cars  started,  and  a  shout  of  "  God  bless  you,"  with  waiving 
of  handkerchiefs,  parted  the  strangers. 

The  maiden  left,  straightway,  for  home,  lest  she  should 
betray  the  feelings  of  her  heart.  She  went  away  wonder- 
ing who  the  soldier  could  be.  '' V/ho  can  this  be  ?  What 
a  complete  simpleton  I  was,  to  blush  so  in  the  presence  of 
strangers  !  And  why  should  I  have  experienced  this  inde- 
scribable feeling  when  I  looked  into  the  face  of  that  stran- 
ger ?"  were  questions  which  arose  in  her  mind  as  she  has- 
tened home. 


OUE   OWN    HEROES.  7 

The  cars  had  not  gone  far  when  "  you  are  born  for  luck," 
fell  from  several  lips  at  the  same  time.  ''  Why,  Rufus, 
how  is  it  that  you  blushed  so  deeply  when  those  beautiful 
black  eyes  met  yours  ?  There  is  danjer  ahead  for  yuu 
young  man." 

"Yes,"  shouted  another,  "  there  is  dansrer  '  ahead  '  and 
danger  behuid  /" 

"  You  cannot  blame  one  for  admiring  beauty/'  said 
Rufus,  striving  to  conceal  his  evident  confusion. 

"  No,  of  course  not,"  replied  a  comrade  ;  '*  but  if  I  am 
not  very  much  mistaken,  you  are  guilty  of  doing  a  little 
more  than  simply  admiring  her  beauty  !" 

"I  should  nev6r  think  the  less  of  you,"  said  the  Captain, 
''if  you  were  really  to  love  so  beautiful  and  graceful  a  lady. 
I  give  it  as  my  opinion  that  she  is  worthy  of  ac}'  man's 
love." 

Thus  the  time  passed  away,  as  they  n eared  the  city, 
where  the  next  day  a  regiment  was  to  be  formed. 

"  I  suppose,"  said  one  of  the  company,  '"■  that  we  will 
have  to  elect*a  Colonel  and  other  officers  to-morrow  3  shall 
we  all  vote  for  you  for  Colonel  ?" 

"  If  you  think  I  am  competent  to  fill  the  office,  and  wish 
to  get  rid  of  me  as  captain,  you  may  vote  for  me." 

"  I  have  uo  doubt  as  to  your  competency,  but  I  am  sure 
none  of  us  wish  to  get  rid  of  you.  You  have  destroyed 
your  vote  with  us  this  time.  I  shall  vote  for  some  on^ 
else." 

They  soon  reached  the  depot,  took  out  their  baggage,  and 
slept  under  the  car-shed  till  day.  Their  sore  hips  reminded 
them  when  they  arose  in  the  morning,  of  the  truth  of  the 
poem,  "  There's  no  place  like  home." 

The  election  of  field  officers  came  oflf,  and  thouph  there 
was  much  intriguing  for  office — disgraceful  barterings  for 

votes — Captain  B ,  who  did   not  dream  of  promotion, 

was  elected  Colonel,  contrary  to  the  general  rule  in  such 
cases.     The  political  tricksters,  who  thought  more  of  their 


8  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

own  promotion  than  of  their  bleeding  country,  (whose  ia- 
terest,  in  days  of  peace,  they  had  sacrificed  on  the  ahar 
of  their  unholy  ambition,)  felt  no  little  disappointment  at 
their  defeat..  Already  they  had  selected,  each,  his  "staff 
officers" — men,  whose  principles  were  akin  to  their  own. — 
These  would-be  officers  felt  no  little  disappointment  at  the 
result  of  the  election.  They  had  pictured  to  themselves 
"  easy"  as  well  as  'profitable  *'  berths.'' 

The  Colonel  elect  made  a  short,  sensible  speech  to  hii^ 
regiment,  thanking  them  foi- the  honor  they  had  conferred 
on  him,  and  assuring  them  that,  to  the  best  of  hie  ability, 
he  would  do  his  whole  duty.  The  disappointed  aspirants 
thought  the  speech  a  "tame  thing,"  whispered  privately 
that  the  "  regiment  was  disgraced  by  having  such  an  of- 
ficer," and  murmured  their  "  unwillingness  to  serve  under 
him  "  The  sensible,  honest  portion  of  the  men  were  de- 
lighted at  the  prospect  of  having  a  good  and  brave  officer. 

•Captain   B ,   now  Co;onel,   having   been    promoted, 

Lieutenant  James  M became  Captain.     His  character 

you  may  infer,  when  I  tell  you  that  "  his  heart  was  kind,'* 
"his  intellect  refined,"  "  his  conduct  exemplary,"  and  "  his 
words  chaste." 

It   may  be    proper  to  state  that  Mr.   John  R vras 

elected  Licut'^nant  Colonel,  and  Joseph  I —  Major/ 

,  As  might  have  been  expected,  the  Colonel  appointed  i" 
cTevotedly  pious   and   intellectual  minister  Chaplain. 

The  char-aoter  of^these  officers  the  reader  will  be  able  to 
appreciate  from  what  will  be  said  of  them  hereafter. 

No  sooner  had  the  Colonel  entered  regularly  upon  his 
duties,  than  it  was  observed  that  no  ordinary  man  was  in 
command.  It  soon  became  apparent,  also,  that  none  of 
th 030  low  vices,  such  as  gambling,  drinking,  swearing,  and 
other  kindred  evils,  would  be  tolerated.  This  impres- 
sion V  as  first  made  on  the  regiment  by  the  following  cir- 
cumstance :  A  Lieutenant,  vexed  because  one  of  his  men 
did  not  exactly  please  him,  cursed  and  abused  him  at  au 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  9 

awful  rate.  The  Colonel  hearinp^  him,  sent  for  him  to  re- 
port at  his  heafl-r|uarters.  Taking  his  sword  from  him,  and 
giving  him  his  only  seat — ''a  camp-stool,"  the  Colonel  ad- 
dressed hira  as  follows  : 

"  Did  I  hear  you  cursing  one  of  your  men  ?" 

The  confused  Lieutenant  replied:  ''Yes  sir;  he  acted 
very  badly,  and — " 

''That  will  do,  sir.  You  confess  your  own  ^ruilt.  Now, 
sir,  did  you  know  that  you  have  committed  a  two-fold 
crime  T'  '^ 

"  What  are  they  ?" 

First,  you  used  profane  language,  which  the  'army  regu- 
lations,' as  well  as  the  Word  of  (Jod,  positively  forbids. — 
[See  Army  llegulations,  and  the  Bible.] 

'"  Your  second  crime  consists  in  cursingand  abusing  one 
of  your  men.  You  have  no  right  to  do  this  ;  nor  will  it 
be  tolerated  in  thi?  regiment." 

"  Jjut  he  provoked  me.  Colonel." 

"  Provokrd  you  !  Suppose  he  did  ;  is  that  any  reason 
why  uou  should  commit  such  an  outrage  ?  Does  his  wrong 
— admitting  that  he  committed  it — ^justify  your  wronj;  V* 

"  Well,"  said  the  ]>ieutenant,  anxious  to  be  relieved  from 
his  troubles,  "  what  is  the  penalty  ?" 

"  You  must  pay — how  many  oaths  did  you  use  ?" 

"  I  do  not  remember." 

Upon  questioning  others,  it  was  agreed  that  he  had  used 
not  less  than  five  oaths. 

"  Having  sworn  five  oaths,  you  must  pay  five  dollars." 

'■'But,"  inquired  the  astanished  officer,  "  is  there  any 
law  for  this  exaction  ?" 

The  Colonel  thereupon  opened  the  Army  Regulations, 
and  road  the  following  :  "  Any  non-commis.sioncd  ofiicer  or 
soMier  who  shall  use  any  profane  oath  (»r  execration,  shall 
incur  the  penalties  expressed  in  the  foregoing  article  [16f 
cents  for  each  oath,  &c.];  and  a  commissioned  ofiicer  shall 


10  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

forfeit  and  pay,  for  each  and  every  such  offence,  one  dol- 
lar." 

"  But'"  said  the  Lieutenant,  who  knew  for  the  first  time 
that  there  was  any  such  law,  and  wishing  to  come  off  as 
lightly  as  possible,  "  may  not  the  whole  be  considered  as 
one  sivearing  scraj^e  F" 

The  proof  is  very  plain  against  you  ;  you  used  five  oaths, 
and  must  pay  five  dollars." 

The  mortified  Lieutenant  "  footed  the  bill,"  and  inquired 
how  the  other  offence  might  be  attoned  for;  to  which  the 
Colonel  replied  : 

"  I  will  be  satisfied,  so  far  as  I  am  concerned,  if  you  will 
make  a  suitable  apology  to  the  abused  private." 

"  This  demand  is  much  worse  than  the  other,"  replied 
the  Lieutenant. 

^'  But,  if  you  prefer  it,"  answered  the  Colonel,  "  you 
can  stand  your  chance  at  a  court-martial." 

"  Call  the  private,  and  make  him  apologize  for  his  wrong, 
and  I  will  readily  do  the  same." 

"  No,  sir;  your  wron^^  rests  upon  its  own  basis,  and  you 
must  account  for  it  accordingly.  No  misconduct  on  his 
part,  can  justify  your  treatment  of  him.  After  your  case  is 
disposed  of,  we  will  look  into  his." 

The  young  officer  hesitated. 

"  Uo  you  prefer  a  court-martial  ?  Then  a  court-martial 
you  shall  have." 

The  alternative  was  a  bitter  one  ;  but  the  officer,  dread- 
ing the  consequences  of  a  trial  by  a  court-martial,  at  last 
consented  to  make  the  required  apology ;  which  he  did  like 
a  man. 

The  private  was  then  called  to  the  Colonel's  tent,  where 
the  following  conversation  ensued  : 

"  How  did  you  offend  your  officer  ?" 

^'  I  did  not  obey  his  orders." 

^'  What  were  his  orders  ?" 

^'  To  bring  some  wood  and  make  him  a  fire.     I  would 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  11 

have    obeyed  the    order,    if  it  had  been  given  in  a  mild 
vaj." 

'*  The  case  is  a  very  plain  one,"  said  the  Colonel,  '•  and 
I  therefore  dismiss  you  at  once.  No  officer  of  his  rank  has 
the  right  to  make  any  such  demands. 

The  Colonel,  thinking  this  a  p;ood  opportunity  for  im- 
pressing his  men  with  a  few  important  lessons,  summoned 
the  regiment  "together,  and  addressed  them  thus: 

"  Fellow-soldiers,  we  have  enlisted  in  a  great  cause — the 
cause  of  liberty.  -  Our  country  i^tbreatened  with  invasion; 
our  churches  with  dc'secration  ;  our  homes  with  flames.  To 
prevent  these  dire  results,  we  have  forsaken  home,  friends, 
and  comfort,  and  will  march  soon  to  meet  the  foe  on  the 
battle-field.  We  all  have  a  common  interest  and  a  common 
destiny  ;  and  should,  therefore,  be  a  band  of  brothers. 

"  Officers  should  undcrstcmd  their  duties — how  to  drill 
and  manoeuvre  their  men — in  a  word,  they  should  under- 
stand '  military  tactics'  thoroucrhly.  They  should  under- 
stand lufic  far  their  authority  extends  over  their  men,  and 
M'Aeri?  their  anthori'y  ceases.  And  more,  they  should  be  firm, 
generous,  kind  and  gentlemanly  towards  their  men,  exact- 
ing no  more  than  what  is  right,  nor  accepting  less  from  their 
men.  You  should  remember  that  the  men  whom  you  com- 
mand are  your  equals  in  everything  except  in  office. 

"  You,  who  are  privates,  have  to  boar  the  heaviest  burdens 
of  war.  Y^'ou  must  submit  to  wholesome  discipline.  There 
is  nothing  degrading  in  this ;  nor  will  any  honorable- 
minded  private  feel  humiliated  at  this.  Y^ou  must  learn  to 
be  ruled,  or  rather  to  rule  yourselves  by  submitting  to  the 
laws  necessary  for  the  regulation  of  an  array.  To  desire 
less  than  this,  is  to  desire  the  devastation  of  our  country, 
the  destruction  of  our  homes,  and  the  loss  of  our  liberties. 

"  To  be  good  privates  will  entitle  you  to  greater  honors 
than  if  you  were  officers,  since  those  who  sacrifice  most  ia 
a  good  cause  deserve  most  praise. 


12  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

"  To  officers  and  privates  T  wish  to  say,  once  for  always^, 
that  the   '  army  regulations '   shall  be  strictly  carried  out. 
No  profanity  will  be  allowed  ;  drunkenness  will  be  punished, 
in  the  most  summary  '^'ay ;  and  every  vice  shall  receive  its, 
merited  rebuke  or  punishment  at  my  hands. 

"  Let  us,  one  and  all,  see  to  it  that  we  honor  our  positions, 
and  our  country  will  honor  us."  .' 

Saying  this,  he  dismissed  them.  *  ''^ 

This  address  made  a  decided  impression  on  the  mind^  of 
all.  Some  w^ere  delighted— others  were  mad.  The  virtu- 
ous rejoiced,  the  vicious  were  alarmed  and  disappointed." 
They  saw  that  their  expectation  of  "fun  "  was  "  nipped  in 
the  bud.'^ 

The  few  days  that  they  remained  in  the  city  were  spent 
in  getting  up  their  camp  equipments,  and  in  *'  drillin^^.'* 
It  was  wonderful  to  see  how  much  the  young  Colonel  knew 
about  *' tactics."  He  seemed  to  "  know  it  all"  from  the 
very  first,  though  he  had  never  read  a  book  on  the  subject 
until  he  entered  the  service.  The  most  casual  thscver 
could  nut  fail  to  see  the  rapid  improvemont  made  in  drill. 
All  the  officers  seemed  to  vie  with  their  peers  in  seeing  who 
could  understand  his  duties  and  execute  them  best.  A 
similar  spirit  pervaded  the  ranks.  With  such  material  it 
was  an  easy  matter  to  have  a  model  regiment,  and  such  this 
was.  The  most  perfect  discipline  and  drill,  as  well  as  the 
best  moral  deportment,  were  the  things  which  our  noble 
Colonel  aimed  at.  The  men,  most  of  them,  at  least,  caught 
his  spirit,  and  fell  in  with  his  way  of  thinking  and  acting. 

It  is  wonderful,  how  much  influence  one  mind  has  over 
another !  An  officer,  especially,  has,  from  his  position, 
ready  access  to  the  minds  of  his  men,  and  very  soon  im- 
presses himself  on  those  whom  he  governs.  If  he  is  a 
noble  type  of  man  he  will  elevate  his  men  and  gradually 
assimilate  them  to  himself;  and  if  he  is  a  vicious  charac- 
ter, he  will  find  many  in  a  regiment,  whom  he  can  very 
soon  degrade  to  his  own  level.     It  is  to  be  regretted  that 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  13 

a-sstmilation  takes  place  more  readily  when  the  example  is 
vicious  than  when  it  is  virtuous.  This  can  bo  accounted 
for  onlj  by  reference  to  the  fact  that  men  are  naturally 
more  inclined  to  vice  thaji  to  virtue — more  in  love  with  sin 
than  with  holiness.-      « 

''  Off  to  the  cars,  boys — quick,  or  we'll  be  too  late,"  said 
the  Colonel  as  he  snatched  his  valise  and  hastened  towards 
the  depot.  An  order  had  boen  received  requiring  the 
regiment  to  hasten  to -,  where  it  was  expected  an  at- 
tack would  be  made  at  an  early  djiy. 

"  Glad,"  said  private  V — ,  to  himself,  ''  that  we  are 
going  in  this  direction.  Who  knows  that  I  will  not  get  a 
glimpse  of  that  form  that  called  into  exercise  those 
strangely  pleasant  emotions  that  I  experienced  a  lew  days 
ago  \" 

The  cars  rattled,  and  the, boys  generally  appeared  to  be 
in  a  great  glee;  but  V —  thought  of  little  else  but  her 
whose  image  had  been  indellibly  impressed  upon  his  mind. 
Iler  graceful  form  and  beautiful  features  were  ever  present 
with  hira,  and  her  "rosy  blush"  bloomed  fresh  in  his  im- 
agination, while  a  ''crimson  glow"  flushed  his  manly 
cheeks. 

"  What  would  I  not  give  for  just  one  glance  at  the 
graceful  beauty  I"  silently  sighed  the  hero,  as  they  ap- 
proached near  the  station  where  he  had  seen  her  before. 
"But  I  must  move  aiy  seat,  for  should  I  see  her,  these 
rude  boys  would  desecrate  my  holy  affections  by  oflfensive 
:laughing  and  jesting." 

Accordingly  he  changed  seats,  getting  in  the  corner  of 
the  car  near  a  hole  that  had  been  made  by  breaking  off 
the  plank.  Of  course  our  hero  did  not  do  this  himself; 
but  he  regarded  it  as  quite  a  convenience  to  himself  on 
thla  occasion. 

The  cars  stopped,  but  no  maiden  could  he  see.  The 
train  ran  an  irregular  schedule,  which  accounts  for  the 
absence  of  many  citizens — ladies  and  gentlemen. 


14  OTJR   OWN   HEROfiS. 

"•Sad,  sad,  indeed,"  exclaimed  V — ,  with  a  deep  sigH, 
which  on  an  occasion  less  jolly  than  the  present,  would 
certainly  have  attracted  the  attention  of  his  comrades. 

The  cars  beo^an  to  move  off,  arid  still  she  did  not  come. 
His  feelings  no  one  could  appreciate,  who  had  entertained 
naught  but  emotions  less  pure.  He  would  have  sacrificed 
anything  but  his  country,  his  honor  and  his  religion,  for 
one  single  glimpse  of  her,  t6  him,  angelic  form.  The 
"  iron  horse  "  had  run  about  half  a  mile,  when,  still  gazing 
out,  he  saw  a  stately  mansion  on  a  beautiful  eminence  about 
one  hundred  yards  from  the  road.  The  nicely  arranged 
flower  yard.bespoke  the  elegance  of  the  family  that  resided 
there. 

"  What  strange  form  is  that  in  that  rose-decked  bower  I 
Can  it  be — it  is  the  identical  !" 

As  the  cars  came  opposite  the  bower,  she  came  out,  and 
seeing  that  the  train  was  laden  with  soldiers,  she  waved 
them  a  hearty  welcome ;  but  did  not  recognize  him  who 
had  extracted  from  her  heart,  its  first  and  purest  admira- 
tion. Virtus  (for  this  was  our  heroe's  name,)  had  a  good 
look,  and  never  mortal  enjoyed  a  vision  more.  Well  for 
him  that  he  was  in  a  dark  corner  of  the  car )  for  otherwise 
he  would  have  exposed  a  secret  which  was  as  dear  to  him  as 
his  honor. 

W'hizzing  they  went  by,  and  the  precious  sight  was  vio- 
lently intercepted  by  the  rude  excavation  through  which 
the  cars  passed. 

^'  One  point  is  made,"  thought  Virtus,  when  he  had 
recovered  himself  from  the  delightful  shock.  "  I  know 
where  she  lives.  And  if  the  fortunes  of  war  ever  permit 
it,  I  intend  to  see  her  again."  Embalming  the  ''sacred 
form  "  afresh  in  his  affections,  he  went  back  to  his  former 
seat,  and  participated  in  the  conversation  of  his  comrades, 
as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

Time  passed  off  pleasantly,  until  at  3  o'clock,  A.  M., 
they  were  ordered  to  colleet  their  baggage,  and  get  out  of 


Om   OWN   HEROES.  15 

the  carg.  The  order  is  promptly  obeyed,  they  kindle 
hasty  fires,  spread  down  their  blankets,  and  gently  yield  to 
"  nature's  sweet  restorer." 

At  early  dawn  reveille  is  beaten,  and  the  weary  soldiers, 
who,  in  former  days  were  wont  to  consult  their  pleasure 
about  getting  up,  spring  to  their  feet,  and  to  a  man,  answer 
to  their  names  at  roll-call.  And  now  liands  unaccustomed 
to  drudgery  were  seen  working  up  dough.  ]-5reakfast  over, 
the  Colonel,  who  had  appointed  an  Adjutant  pro  tein.,  sum- 
moned Virtus  to  his  hcad-quartiirs.  "  I  have  sent  for  you," 
said  the  Colonel,  'to  tender  you  the  adjutant's  oflBce.  I 
hope  you  will  accept  it." 

"  Thank  you,  Colonel,  for  the  compliment ;  but  you 
must  allow  me  to  assure  you,  sir,  that  I  cannot  accept  the 
office  which  you  have  so  generously  tendered  me." 

"  Why  ?"    • 

''  Simply  because  T  have  vowed  to  live  through  the  war, 
or  until  I  fall  on  the  battle-field,  a  private." 

**  Are  you  opposed  to  being  an  officer  on  principle,  or  is 
it  because  I  am  Colonel  of  the  regiment?"  inquired  the 
astonished  officer. 

"  On  principle,  sir,"  he  replied.  "  I  will  add,  too,  that 
there  is  no  man  in  the  Confederacy  under  whom  I  would 
sooner  serve  than  under  yourself" 

"  Let  us  now,"  said  the  Colonel,  "  investigate  the  '  prin- 
i:iple'  on  which  your  objections  are  founded;  and  if  this 
can  be  removed,  I  feel  assured  that  you  will  yield,  and 
accept  the  office." 

"lam  ready  for  the  investigation,  and  will,  of  course, 
'yield,'  if  ir.y  objections  are  not  well  founded." 

"  It  devolves  upon  you  to  establish  the  validity  of  your 
objections.     You  may  proceed." 

"  Very  well,  sir;  1  will  give  my  reasons  in  order.  1st. 
According  to  your  own  speech  the  other  day,  I  would  sac- 
rifice, by  becoming  an  officer,  a  portion  of  the  honor  which 
I  hope  to  receive. 


16  OUR  OWN   HEROES. 

'^  2d.  The  country  demands  the  service,  as  privates,  of  aS 
good  men  as  she  has.  While  I  do  not  claim  that  I  am  one 
of  the  beat^  I  feel  that  I  can  make  a  good  private. 

"  3d.  The  position  of  the  private  requires  him  to  make 
the  greatest  sacrifice  for  his  country's  independence^ 
and  I  am  unwilling  that  any  one  shoiild  sacrifice  more  for 
this  object  than  myself     And 

"  4th.  The  private's  position  is  much  more  favorable  to 
his  moral  development  than  is  an  ojQ&cer's." 

The  Colonel,  after  listening  with  great  admiration  to  the 
reasons  of  his  friend,  replied  :  '^  Your  first  reason  is  one  to 
which  I  cannot  reply,  without  abandoning  the  principle 
assumed  in  my  address  to  which  you  allude.  Your  second 
reason  is  quite  as  unanswerable.  The  third,  while  nearly 
akin  to  the  first,  furnishes  the  highest  evidence  of  a  pure 
patriotism,  which  I  can  but  admire.  But  the  fourth 
requires  some  proof.  Will  you  elaborate  the  reason,  if  you 
please  ;  for  if  wi/  position  is  more  unfavorable  to  morality 
and  religion,  I  think  I  shall  resign." 

J  J"  I  will  grant  your  request.  Colonel,  if  you  insist  upon 
it;  but  I  would  prefer,  for  two  reasons  that  you  would 
withdraw  the  request." 

"  What  are  those  reasons?" 

"  1st.  My  three  reasons,  whose  validity  you  have  con- 
ceded, are  suSicient  to  justify  my  course;  and  2d.  I  fear 
that  you  might  be  induced  to  resign  your  position,  which 
I  would  regard  as  a  great  calamity." 

"  If  there  be  any  truth  in  your  fourth  reason,  you  as  a 
man  of  moral  integrity,  are  bound  to  give  me  all  the  light 
in  your  possession.  ,  If  my  morals  are  to  be  more  endangered 
by  being  an  ofiicer  than  by  being  a  private,  I  would  resign 
my  position,  if  I  were  commander-in-chief." 

"  As  you  insist  upon  it,  I  will  give  my  thoughts  freely : 
It  cannot  be  denied  that  adversity  and  self-denial  tend  to 
promote  humility,  patience  and  meekness,  which  are  virtues 
of  rare  worth ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  equally  evident 


m 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  17 

to  my  mind  that  prosperity  trnda  to  foster  pride,  and  stimu- 
late ifs  kindred  elements. 

"There  can  he  no  quostion  in  my  mind  as  to  the  moral 
tendeii  :y  of  offices  on  tho>(e  who  fill  them — it  must  be  for 
evil.  Yet,  if  an  officer  has  perfect  knowledge  of  hi.-*  own 
character,  and  perfect  control  of  his  feelinirs,  he  may  be 
able  to  arrest  this  evil  tendency,  and  improve  in  moral 
worth.  But  I  am  thoroughly  convinced  that  I  do  not 
possess  such  knowledge  ;  and,  if  I  did,  that  I  would  not  be 
able  to  control  all  my  feelings."  ,. 

"Come  in  Major,  and  take  a  seat,"  said  the  Colonel  as 
the  former  politely  gave  the  latter  a  "military  salute." 

The  Colonel,  looking  at  his  watch,  found  that  he  had 
already  postponed  too  long,  an  order  to  cook  "  three  day's 
rations."  The  order  must  not  be  postp<jned  a  mon.ent 
longer,  for  at  12  o'clock,  M.,  they  mu«t  leave  for  the 
'*  mountain  pass,"  whither  two  regiments  had  already  gone 
to  prevent  the  enemy,  who  were  about  10,0'Mj  strong,  from 
passing  through  The  order  was  given,  and  the  soldiers, 
wondering  where  they  would  be  ordered,  began  to  cook 
their  "  hasty  rations," 

Virtus,  supposing  that  the  Major  might  have  private 
busi^iess  with  the  Colonel,  and  wishing  to  have  his  rations 
ready  in  time,  arose,  excused  himself,  and  departed. 

"  VVc  will  talk  of  th<*se  matters  again  soon,"  said  the 
Colonel,  addressing  himself  to  Virtus. 

"  Very  well,  sir;  but  you  must  not  do  what  you  pro- 
pose<l." 

"  We  will  see  about  that,"  said  the  other. 

"  About  what?"  inquired  the  Major. 

"  About  some  private  matters,  sir,"  answered  the  Colonel, 
who  would  have  been  glad  the  whole  regiment,  and  even 
the  whole  army,  were  acquainted  with  the  rf-aaons  of  the 
young  hero,  who  had  just  left  his  tent;  but  he  felt  that 
the  logic  of  Virtus  was  too  pure,  his  patriotism  too  refined, 
and  his  moral  philosophy  too  elevated  to  be  apprecifted  by 


18  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

many  men.     So  he  did  not,  from  his  limited  acquaintajice 
with  the  Major,  feel  at  liberty  to  disclose  them  to  him  even. 

The  Major  saw  in  an  instant  the  impropriety  of  his  ques- 
tion, and  asked  pardon,  which  was  readily  granted. 

The  Major  remained  but  a  short  time,  when  he  retired, 
leaving  the  Holonel  to  his  own  meditations.  "What  a 
remarkable  man  I  have  fouod  in  this  private  !  What 
intelligence,  what  logic,  what  philosophy  !  I  cannot 
answer  his  arguments.  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  have,  as  it 
appears  to  me,  committed  myself  to  him  in  such  a  way  as 
to  make  it  necessary  for  me  to  resign.'' 

Such  thoughts  occupied  his  mind  until  the  mail  boy 
came  in,  handing  him  an  official  document.  ''  What  can 
this  mean  ?"  queried  the  Colonel,  as  he  opened  the  envelope. 
"  A  Brigadier  General,  indeed  !  Who  ever  thought  of  such 
•a  thing  ! !" 

He  was  one  of  those  modest  men,  who  naturally  shrank 
from  office,  and  who  knew  a  thousand  men  that  would,  ia 
his  judgment,  fill  the  office  much  b&tter  than  himself 

To  the  official  document  was  appended  an  order  that,  if 
he  should  accept  the  appointment  he  must  take  command 
of  all  the  regiments  at  — —  Gap.  He  knew  not  what  to 
do.  ''  I  know  nothing,"  said  he  to  himself,  "  about  the 
duties  of  a  Brigadier,  and  I  have  only  three  days  in  which 
to  prepare  myself  for  this  important  and  highly  responsible 
office.  I  have  a  mind  to  write  the  authorities  at  once,  de- 
clining the  position." 

*'  Looking  at  his  watch  again,  he  found  that  he  did  not 
have  time  to  write — the  moment  of  their  departure  was  at 
hand.  He  sent  out  orders  to  all  the  companies  to  get 
ready  as  soon  as  possible,  for  their  long  march  of  about  40 
miles. 

Having  imbibed,  partially  at  least,  the  spirit  and  prompt- 
ness of  their  leader,  the  men  were  ready  to  march  within  a 
few  moments., 

"  Forward,  march  !"  echoed  aloivg  the  1^  from  one  who 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  19 

was  destined  to  be  a  world-renowned  leader.  ^'  Forward" 
they  went,  moving  in  '•  veteran  style."  3Ioving  on  at  the 
head  of  the  column,  the  unassuming  leader,  looked  the 
complete  General — one  of  nature  s  own  makhifj  ;  for  Gtnc- 
/(//Is,  like  ^^  Poeta^  dLVQ  hum,  not  macft."  Casting  his  eyes 
backwards  along  the  lines,  he  saw  the  manly  form  of  Virtus, 
somewhat  bent  under  the  heavy  burden  that  he  was  bearing. 
"There,"  thought  he,  "is  one  of  nature's  noblemen — a 
man  better,  far  better  prepared  to  be  a  Brigadier  than 
myself;  and  yet  he  proudly  scores  office!  I  would  prefer 
being  just  such  a  man  as  he  is,  than  to  be  Lieut.  General. 
What  a  noble  soul  I" 

Coming  to  a  beautiful  shade  and  one  of  those  "  crystal 
fountains"  that  show  how  the  God  of  nature  sometimes 
lavishes  his  blessings  on  an  unworthy  populace — even  upon 
(ories — the  Colonel  ordered  his  men  to  halt,  get  water,  and 
rest.  They  sipped  the  perennial  fount  with  a  relish  known 
only  to  soldiers.  While  they  were  resting  the  Colonel 
took  occasion  to  summon  Virtus  to  him,  and  insisted  that 
he  should  relieve  him  of  his  burden.  "  If  you  will  not 
allow  me  to  carry  all,  let  me  have  at  least  a  part  of  your 
baggage." 

"  Thank  you,  Colonel,  for  your  great  kindness  ;  yet  you 
must  allow  me  to  carry  my  own  baggage.  You  wuuid  not 
lessen  my  honor  by  relieving  me  of  my  burden  ?" 

"  It  is  remarkable,  sir,  that  you  will  not  allow  me  to  do 
anything  for  you  I" 

"You  cannot  carry  every  soldier's  baggage,  Colonel; 
and  if  you  should  single  me  out  from  the. whole  regiment, 
it  might  subject  you  to  the  charge  of  partiality,  and  me  to 
the  envy  of  some  of  my  comrades." 

The  argument  was  so  complete  that  the  Colonel,  smiling, 
went  away  and  ordered  the  regiment  to  "shoulder  arms." 
This  done,  the  Colonel  notified  his  men  in  a  short  address 
that  there  were  many  tories  in  the  country  through  which 
they  had  to  march ;  that  often  "  bushwhackers  "  would  lire 


20  OUR   OWN    HEROFS. 

upon  them  from  behind  trees  and  from  mountain  tops  ;  that 
there  should  be  no  "  straggling"  &c.  The  line  of  march 
^'as  resumed,  and  they  went  with  little  interruption  till 
night.  They  pitched  their  tents  in  a  beautiful  cove  between 
two  spurs  of  the  mountain,  near  a  large  creek,  whos6 
bounding  waters  sung  a  sweet  "  lullaby/'  gently  inviting 
sleep  to  the  weary  soldier. 

Sapper  over,  and  the  pickets  having  been  posted  all 
around,  the  Colonel  sent  for  Virtus  to  visit  his  bead- 
quarters  ;  and  felt  no  little  regret  on  learning  that  he  was 
*'  out  on  picket." 

Now  must  be  related  an  incident  that  mars  the  meagre 
comforts  of  "  camp  life/'  and  mr-kes  the  moralist  shudder 
at  the  consequences  of  war.  Night  had  but  just  thrown 
her  >sombre  muntle  over  the  face  of  earth,  when  a  dark 
plan  is  concocted,  and  a  black  deed  is  executed  !  A  number 
of  soldiers,  led  by  a  Lieutenant,  left  the  encampment  and 
went  to  a  house  near  by,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  ^ 
warm  supper  and  a  "supply  of  eatables"  to  last  them 
several  days.  There  was  no  wrong  in  this  of  itself;  bnt 
stcalimj  oJf\  and  especially  tlie  design  of  supplying  their 
wants  (which  were  more  imaginary  than  real,)  without  pac- 
ing anything,  were  crimes  which  a  life-time  of  after  recti- 
tude could  never  atone  for. 

Entering  the  house,  they  found  an  old  lady  with  her  two 
daughters  and  a  little  son,  sitting  by  the  fire. 

"  We  wish  supper !"  peremptorily  demanded  the  Lieu- 
tenant. 

"  We  are  over  with  supper,  gentlemen,  and  it  will  be  no 
little  trouble  for  me  to  go  and  cook  it  novi^." 

"  It  matters  not  about  the  'trouble,*  madam,  we  must 
have  supper." 

"  I  hope,  gentlemen,  you  do  not  intend  to  insult  defence- 
less women  !" 

''  We  must  hav<?  supper^  madam/'  was  the  stern  and  un- 
feeling reply. 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  21 

"Well,  sir,  if  you  must^  I  suppose  jou  will  have  no  ob- 
jection to  cooking  it,"  answered  the  old  lady. 

Upon  this,  the  soldiers  grew  very  angry,  and  began  to 
curse  iiud  swear  at  a  terrible  rate.  "  You  are  a  miserable 
set  of  ^o>'/e.s,  and  you  cannot  claim  protection  at  our  hands." 

"Tories!"  exclaimed  the  old  woman;  '•  there  was  never 
a  better  Southern  man  than  my  husband,  who  is  now  in 
the  army  with  two  sons." 

"That's  all  stuff!"  replied  the  soldiers.  "You  wish 
merely  to  save  your  property  by  .this  trick." 

Upon  this  they  went  into  the  dining  room,  and  be^^an  to 
search  for  something  to  eat.  Poinding  little,  they  went  to 
the  smoke-house,  battered  down  the  door,  and  went  in  to 
help  themselves.  Coming  out,  son)e  of  them  went  to  the 
the  chicken-house,  and  began  to  lay  in  a  supply  of  pflultry. 

Meantime  the  little  boy  had  stolen  out  of  the  house 
unobserved,  and  found  his  way  to  the  Colonel's  head- 
quarters.    Immediately  on    relating  his  story,  the  Colonel 

ordered  a  dozen  soldiers,  under  Capt. ,   to    hasten    to 

the  scene  of  oppression,  and  bring  the  depredators  to  his 
head-quarters.  Within  a  few  minutes  the  squad  were  off, 
and  soon  drew  near  the  house.  Chickens  were  squalling, 
the  thieves  cursing,  and  the  old  woman  was  trying  to 
shame  the  scoundrels.  Ascertaining  the  number  engaged 
in  this  foul  crime,  the  squad  rushed  suddenly  upon  them, 
arresting  alj  but  one,  who  made  his  escape  through  the 
backyard.  'JJie  pitiful  cowards  who  were  brave  in  a  con-, 
test  with  h^lph.ss  women,  crouched  before  the  gallant  and 
indignant  soldiers  who  were  sent  to  arrest  them.  The 
Captain  made  them  carry  the  meat  back,  turn  the  chickens 
loose,  and  set  out  for  the  Colonel's  tent.  They  had  not 
gone  far  when  the  Lieutenant  proposed  to  the  Captain  that 
he  should  release  them  all,  and  added  the  promise  that 
they  would  never  act  so  any  more. 

"Too  late,  gentlemoii,  you  must  'face  the  music  I' " 
retorted  the  indignant  officer. 


22  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

"  I  will  give  you  $1,000  if  ycu  will  release  us/' 

•'  Money  cannot  purchase  your  release.  But  you  mise- 
rable wretch,  do  you  suppose  that'I  car.  be  bribed  ?" 

Finding  that  it  was  useless  to  attempt  to  bribe  him, 
they  submitted  to  be  driven  on  into  the  ColoneFs  presence. 
These  gentry  were  put  under  a  strong  guard,  and  ordered 
to  await  their  trial  by  couit-martial.  It  is  needless  to  say 
that  the  extreme  of  the  law  was  visited  upon  the  heads  of 
these  wretches. 

It  was  about  mid-night  when  the  pickets  fired  their  guns, 
and  such  of  them  as  had  escaped  death  or  captivity,  came 
running  into  camp. 

"  What  now,  boys,"  exclaimed  the  Colonel,  as  they  ran 
in. 

'^  The  enemy  are  upon  us — they  fired  a  full  volley  among 
us  before  we  were  aware  of  their  presence  V^  answered  the 
officer  in  command  of  the  pickets. 

Within  a  few  minutes  the  regiment  was  arranged  in 
"  battle  line,'^  and  awaited  the  advance  of  the  enemy. 
But  no  enemy  approached.  At  length  a  few  companies 
were  sent  to  the  scene  of  the  recent  firing,  to  see  if  they 
could  make  any  discovery  of  the  assailants.  Two  of  our 
men  were  found  dead,  aud  three  were    seriously   wounded. 

"  Easy,''  said  the  Colonel,  (for  he  was  among  the  fore- 
most,) "  I  hear  them  now — they  are  retreating  over  the 
top  of  that  mountain." 

Remaining  quiet  until  he  was  convinced  that  the  enemy 
had  fled  away,  the  wounded  and  dead  were  cared  for.  Not 
seeing  Virtus  among  the  pickets  who  ran  in,  the  Colonel 
feared  that  he  was  among  the  killed  or  wounded,  and  the 
manner  in  which  he  examined  the  unfortunate  five,  showed 
how  tenderly  he  regarded  his  men  and  how  high  an  esti- 
mate he  placed  upon  Virtus,  especially.  But  our  hero  was 
not  among  the  number.  "  Where  is  private  Virtus  ?" 
earnestly  enquired  the  Colonel. 
.    "  I  recollect  distinctly/'  said  the  picket  officer,  "  seeing 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  23 

him  after  the  order  to  ret^reat,  was  given.  He  was  stand- 
ing boldly  in  the  van  loading  his  gun." 

'•'  Why  did  you  not  order  him  to  retreat  along  with  you  ?" 
asked  the  Colonel. 

"  The  general  order  to  '  retreat,'  was  given,  and  I  took 
it  for  granted  that  as  all  the  others  heard  the  order,  he 
must  have  heard  it  too." 

"  He  must  be  captured/'  replied  the  Colonel,  sighing 
deeply. 

Leaving  two  full  companies  aa^pickets,  the  Colonel  with 
the  others  returned  to  camps — the  latter  to  sleep,  the  former 
to  lament  the  sad  fortune  of  his  loved  friend. 

The  attacking  party  was  nothing  more  than  a  company 
of  "  bushwhackers,"  who  waylay  the  roads  for  the  purpose 
of  killinc;  and  robbing.  The  Colonel  inferring  the  direc- 
tion of  their  camp  from  the  noise  which  they  made  in 
their  retreat,  determined  to  make  an  effort  to  dislodge 
them,  and  recapture  his  friend.  Here  arose  a  serious  ques- 
tion  of  duty.     He  had  received   orders  to  be  at  the 

Gap  at  such  a  time,  in  anticipation  of  an  early  attack. 
"If  I  stop  to  hunt  up  these  robbers,  I  may  be  behind 
time ;  but  how  can  I  lose  so  valuable  a  friend  without  an 
effort  to  rescue  him  ?"   were  thoughts  that  troubled  him. 

Making  a  nice  estimate  of^  the  distance  to  the  Grap,  and 
finding  that,  by  a  "  forced  march,"  he  could  spare  half  a 
day,  he  resolved  to  spend  this  time  in  searching  for  Virtus. 
Accordingly  he  went  to  Capt.  M — ,  who  was  on  picket, 
and  laid  his  plans  before  him.  The  Captain,  who  was  a 
great  friend  and  admirer  of  Virtus,  was  ready  to  lend  any 
assistance  in  his  power  to  rescue  him  from  the  grasp  of 
such  an  ignoble  foe.  He,  accordingly,  proposed  to  take 
his  company  and  move  silently  to  the  mountain's  top,  to 
see  if  he  could  make  any  discovery  of  the  enemy,  and 
report  as  soon  as  possible.  This  was  agreed  to  and  Capt. 
M— ,  with  his  gallant  company,  began  to  ascend  the  craggy 


24  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

heights  of  the  mountain.  On  reaching  the  summit  he 
found  that  there  was  a  deep  ravine  winding  along  between 
the  mountains  on  his  right.  No  light,  save  the  ''  celestial 
Stellas/^  was  anjwhere  visible.  The  "  hooting  ^'  of  the 
owl,  and  the  roaring  of  the  small  waterfall,  were  the  only 
sounds  audible. 

Moving  forward,  as  quietly  as  possible  for  about  a  half  a 
mile,  they  again  halted,  to  look  and  listen.  No  discovery 
being  made,  they  moved  on  still  farther,  nearly  about  the 
same  distance,  when  a  light,  reflected  from  a  deep  ravine 
upon  the  opposite  mountain,  was  clearly  visible.  Advanc- 
ing nearer  they  could  hear  indistinct  sounds  of  the  human 
voice. 

"  We  have  found  their  nest,"  said  the  Captain  in  a  low 
whisper.  "  Let  us  return  as  silently  as  we  came,  and  re- 
port our  success." 

Oft"  they  went,  at  a  more  rapid  pace  than  they  had  ad- 
vanced to  the  point  of  discovery  ;  and  soon  halted  in  the 
presence  of  the  Colonel.  ''A  complete  success''  was  re- 
ported, and  the  Colonel  ascertaining  that  the  bushwhackers 
did  not  number  more  than  probably  one  hundred,  quickly 
called  for  four  comjmnies,  to  go  with  him  in  order  to  make 
"  clean  work  of  the  whole  establishment. '4  The  companies 
were  divided  into  two  parties  of  two  companies  each;  one 
taking  the  rout  of  the  company  that  had  located  the  enemy, 
and  the  other  ascending  by  a  circuitous  path  the  mountain 
on  the  other  side  of  the  ravine — it  being  the  purpose  of 
th«  Colonel  to  surround  and  capture  the  whole  party. 
The  Colonel  commanded  one  party  and  Captain  M —  the 
other.  It  was  the  agreement  that  they  should  surround  the 
tory  camp  before  light,  and  be  ready,  at  a  signal,  to  dash 
upon  them  at  early  light.  The  parties  gained  their  respec- 
tive positions  just  before  the  nightingale  sent  forth  his 
first  melodious  note.  It  soon  became  evident  to  both  com- 
manders that  it  was  impossible  to  reach  the  enemy,  owing 
to  the  perpendicular  mountain  sides  that  lay  between  them. 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  ZO 

What  could  they  do  ?  cut  off  from  each  other,  and  sub- 
ject, each,  to  be  attacked  very  soon  by  they  did  not  know 
how  many.  Should  they  remain  on  the  mountain  tops 
the  enemy  would  find  little  trouble  in  escaping  up  the 
ravine.  And  if  there  was  any  way  of  getting  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  ravine  so  as  to  intercept  their  retreat,  it  had 
not  yet  been  discovered. 

A  courier  was  at  once  dispatched  to  camps  with  orders 
to  the  Lieut.  Colonel  to  take  three  companies  and  advance 
up  the  ravine  ,  having  the  courier  as  a  guide. 

This  done,  the  Colonel  passed  up  higher,  in  search  of  a 
place  to  descend  the  precipice,  and  Capt.  M —  luckily  did 
the  sani(i  thing.  They  travelled  probably  half  a  mile 
above  the  tory  camp  before  t.lioy  found  the  lea.«t  prospect  of 
a  descent.  As  they  advanced  they  found  that  the  moun- 
tain sides  began  to  recede  gradually  from  a  perpendicular, 
which  led  to  the  hope  that  soon  they  wonld  be  able  to 
descend  to  the  bottom.  In  this  they  were  not  disappointed  ; 
for  soon  they  found  that,  by  holding  to  the  bushes,  they 
could  make  some  headway  to  the  bottom  of  the  dark  j»it 
far  below  them.  The  "  streaks  of  lijz-ht"  were  now  bei^in- 
ning  to  fall  on  the  tree  tops,  which  seemed  but  to  intensify 
the  darkness  into  which  they  were  plunging. 

After  much  difficulty  in  falling  over  rocks  and  cliffs,  the 
Colonel  with  his  band  came  near  the  bottom  of  the  gulf, 
when  all  of  a  sudden,  he  heard  a  low  niutterin;]:  on  the 
opposite  side.  "Can  this  be  the  enemy  I'"'  he  inquired 
easily.  "  If  so,  we  may  get  into  trouble.  But  these  sup- 
pressed voices  that  I  hear,  cannot  come  from  the  enemy, 
unless  he  has  discovered  our  movements  and  is  making  his 
escape." 

Silently  he  moved  on  to  the  waters  edge  and  was  halted 
by  a  soldier  in  Capt.  M — 's  command.  They  stton  recog- 
nized, to  their  mutual  grarilication,  that  they  were  friends. 
Though  it  was  now  day  on  the  mountain  tops,  it  was  night 
where  these  heroes  were  standing.     It  was  a  serious  qucs- 


26  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

tion  with  thera,  how  they  should  make  their  way  down  the 
ravine.  Slowly  they  began  to  feel  their  way  over  the  pre- 
cipitous rockvS,  that  would  have  effectually  blocked  up  the 
path  of  men  less  determined.  But  by  climbing  upon  and 
sliding  down  the  high  rocks,  they  made  about  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  per  hour.  They  were  now  within  400  yards  of  the 
encampment,  when  several  difficulties  arose  in  the  Colonel's 
mind.  If  they  should  fire  upon  the  encampment,  they 
might  kill  Virtus;  if  they  should  not  fire,  there  was  great 
danger  of  losing  more  of  hi^  own  men  than  if  they  should 
commence  the  attack  vigorously.  He  determined,  there- 
fore, to  wait  until  it  became  light  enough  to  distinguish 
friend  from  foe.  This  would  give  ample  time  for  the  Lieut. 
Colonel  to  bring  up  his  men  below.  It  was  about  light 
enough  to  distinguish  a  man,  when  a  half  a  mile  or  more 
below,  two  muskets  were  fired,  and  then  a  volley  echoed 
up  the.  deep  ravine  Presently  nearer  by,  an  alarm  was 
given,  and  a  hasty  retreat  ordered.  Soon  it  became  appa- 
rent that  the  tories  were  making  up  the  ravine. 

"Now,"  said  the  Colonel,  '^ we've  "got  them — don't  fire 
without  orders ;  and  be  sure  then,  that  you  do  not  shoot  a 
friend." 

On  came  the  stampeders,  pitching:  hastily  over  the  rocks, 
until  at  last,  to  their  great  astonishment,  they  found  that 
they  were  completely  hemmed  in.  The  Colonel's  four  com- 
panies all  arising  from  their  ambush,  seemed  to  the  tories 
to  be  a  legion.  They  were  promptly  ordered  to  surrender, 
which  they  were  quite  willing  to  do.  There  were  about 
60  of  these  poor  deluded  wretches  who  surrendered. 

The  Colonel  now  advanced  toward  their  camps,  and 
about  the  time  he  got  in  fall  view  of  them,  the  force  from 
below  came  up.  A  friendly  recognition  soon  took  place 
between  the  Colonel  and  Lieut.  Colonel,  and  soon  they  con- 
gratulated each  other  on  their  signal  and  bloodless  triumph. 
But  only  di  part  of  their  victory  had  been  achieved,  which 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  27 

to  the  Colonel  would  have  appeared  almost  fruitless  without 
the  rpQcue  of  Virtus. 

"  W  lere,"  inquired  the  Colonel  of  the  tory  Captain,  "  is 
the  prisoner  you  captured  from  us  a  few  hours  ago  ?" 

The  Captain  hesitated. 

**' You  must  tell  instantly,  or  your  life  will  pay  the  for- 
feit.'' 

On  seeing  the  determination  of  the  Colonel,  the  misera- 
ble tory  turned  his  eyes  towards  the  base  of  the  mountain, 
and  said,  "  He  is  yonder,  sir." 

"  Go  with  me,  and  let  us  see  where  he  is." 

On  approaching,  the  mouth  of  a  small  cave  appeared. 

"  He  is  in  there,  sir." 

"  Aiive  or  dead  ?" 

*•'  Alive,  sir;  but  he  cannot  speak." 

"  Why  not  ?" 

'*  He  is  gagged,  sir,  to  prevent  his  making  any  noise." 

"  Is  he  bound  ?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  to  avoid  the  necessity  of  guarding  him." 

"  Bring  alight,"  cried  the  Colonel. 

A  light  was  quickly  brought,  and  on  looking  in,  they 
saw  several  forms  all  bound.  Looking  about  he  soon  dis- 
covered Virtus,  who  was  certainly  willing  that  the  O>lonel 
should  ''lighten  his  burden  of  war"  for  once.  It  is  im- 
possible to  describe  their  jqy  at  this  meeting.  The  Colonel 
advanced  to  him  and  loosed  his  fetters  and  his  tongue  as 
soon  as  possible.  The  warmeb.t  gratitude  of  Virtus  was 
expressed  to  the  Colonel  for  his  recovery  from  this  misera- 
ble dungeon. 

The  other  prisoners  were  also  released.  Some  of  them 
were  picked  up  as  "stragglers  "  a  few  weeks  before;  others 
had  been  cruelly  seized  at  the  dark  hours  of  night,  and 
dragged  from  their  homes  because  of  their  Southern  senti- 
ments. 

Turning  to  the  Captain  of  this  robber  band,  the  Colonel 
inquired  :  "  What  do  you  do  with  your  prisoners  ?" 


^8       *  OUR    OWN    HEROES, 

^^  We  release  them,  sir,  after  keeping  them  a  few  days." 

The  manner  of  the  robber  led  the  Colonel  to  believe  that 
prisoners  captured  by  this  band  were  very  probably  killed. 
But  havint>-  no  positive  proof  of  the  fact,  he  sent  the  pris- 
oners to  the  rail  road  under  a  strong  guard. 

At  9  o'clock  A.  M.  he  renewed  his  march  towards  the 
Gap,  which  he  reached  the  next  day  evening. 

The  regiments  at  the  Gap  had  been  expecting  an  attack 
from  a  strong  Abolition  force,  but  as  yet  "  the  ball  had  not 
opened." 

"  What  shall  I  do  ?"  was  the  question  of  vital  moment 
with  the  Colonel  at  this  time.  "  Shall  I  accept  the  posi- 
tion of  Brigadier  General,  or  !<hall  I  resign  even  my 
Colonelcj",  and  go,  where  the  argument  seems  to  lead  me, 
to  the  ranks  ?'' 

At  this  j  uncture  he  sent  for  private  Virtus.  (For  though 
their  stations  were  very  different,  yet  he  felt  that  if  there 
was  any  difference  between  himself  and  Virtus  in  an  intel- 
lectual and  moral  point  of  view,  that  difference  was  in  favor 
of  the  private.) 

He  knew  that  Virtus  was  a  young  man  of  great  pu;'ity 
of  character  and  force  of  intellect ;  and  he  naturally  loved 
to  hear  him  talk.  Besides,  he  was  sure  he  could  make  a 
strong  point  with  him,  as  he  had  been  offtired  a  Brigadier 
Generalship  and  would  gladly  make  Virtus  his  "A.  ^.  G." 

Virtus  makes  his  appearance  in  front  of  the  Colonel's 
tent. 

"  Good  evening  !  Come  in  !  How  do  you  feel  since 
you  got  out  of  the  clutches  of  the  robbers. T' 

"  Very  comfortable,  as  well  as  grateful,  1  assure  you." 

"  In  the  pressure  of  business,  I  omitted  to  ask  how  you 
came  to  be  captured." 

"  I  heard  no  order  to  retreat — and  I  could  not  afford  to 
leave  without  orders" 

"  But  did  you  not  see  the  others  run  ?" 

"  Yes,  and    rather  too   soon,  as  I  thought.     If  all  had 


(MJR    OWN    HEROES,  29 

remained  at  their  posts,  1  hare  no  doubt  that  the  enemy 
would  have  retired  after  a  second  volley.  But  when  they 
saw  our  pickets  run  so  soon,  they  rushed  forward  and  carae 
upon  me  almost  unawares." 

"  Well,"  said  the  Colonel,  "  this  is  all  over  now,  and  I 
hope  you  will  never  be  so  unfortunarc  aL^ain.  I  have  re- 
ceived a  J3rign<licr's  appointment,  rcquirinf;  me  to  take 
charge  of  all  the  troops  at  this  place.  Now,  should  I 
accept  the  appointment,  I  wish  to  know  whether  yon  will 
accept  an  Adjutant  General's  D;;sition,  having-  the  rank  of 
Captain  ?" 

"  My  arguments,  my  much  esteemed  sir,  are  ju^t  the 
same  in  this  case  as  they  were  in  the  former.  The  chanire 
from  a  Lieutenancy  to  a  Captaincy  does,  in  nowise,  chancre 
great  principles.  I  know  that  it  would  be  very  agreeable 
to  human  nature  to  wear'  three  bars,'  ride  a  fine  horse,  and 
live  in  '  refined  society  /  yet  T  regard  my  moral  welfiire  as 
of  fii*st  importance  to  me." 

"  Suppose  I  should  tell  you  that  T  will  not  accept  the 
position  off"ered  me,  unless  you  will  be  my  Adjutant  ?" 

"  I  will  be  sorry  of  it,  but  I  cannot  help  it,  Colonel. 
My  course  is  fixed.  I  have  determined  to  serve  my  coun- 
try as  a  private."  . 

"  What,  then,  would  you  advise 'm<"  to  do?" 

*'  You  must  act  for  yourself,  sir — the  responsibility  is 
yours.  It  wil!,  however,  afford  me  much  pleasure  to  have 
you  as  my  General." 

"Your  elevated  decisions,  I  very  much  admire.  Would 
that  I  could  have  the  same  determined  purpose  that  rules 
your  action.  You,  I  feel  assured,  are  even  more  compe- 
tent than  myself  to  fill  any  military  office;  and  yet  you 
proudly  spurn  promotion." 

*'  Thank  you  for  the  compliment,  Colonel.  I  hope  I 
shall  always  have  your  respect  and  confidence. 

"  We  need  men  of  integrity  to  lead  our  forces ;  other- 
wise we  cannot   hope  for  success.     Moreover,   if  iramoral, 


30  OUR   OWN     HER0E5i. 

drunken  officers  are  to  have  our  armies  in  their  hands,  we 
cannot  expect  theiu  to  exert  any  but  a  bad  influence  on 
our  soldiers.  You  should  consider  this  subject  well  before 
you  decide  against  holding  office." 

"  But  does  not  this  argument  do  away  with  your  own 
position?  It'  good  men  are  needed  to  fill  offices — and  I 
grant  that  they  are — may  it  not  become  the  duty  of  such 
men  to  accept  office  when  it  is  tendered  them?  On  this 
plea,  I  know  of  no  man  more  competent  to  fill  the  position 
offered  you  than  yourself  Come,  waive  your  scruples,  and 
accept." 

"  There  is  much  truth.  Colonel,  in  what  3''ou  say  ;  yet 
the  arguments  previously  given  you,  are  to  my  mind,  per- 
fectly conclusive.  If  they  are,  I  do  not  feel  at  liberty  to 
set  them  aside.  Moreover,  I  am  a  peculiar  person.  I 
have  to  war  constantly  against  pride.  If  I  should  become 
an  officer  I  know  that  my  wicked  heart  would  soon  become 
puffed  up )  and  once  I  recede  from  my  position,  especially 
wlien  my  arguments  are  not  answered,  I  would  easily  be 
led  off  from  that  meekness  and  humility  which  I  deem  so 
necessary  to  soul  prosperity." 

"  I  perceive,  sir,  that  you  are  not  to  be  moved  from  your 
position,  unless  I  first  remove  your  arguments,  and  this,  1 
confess,  I  am  not  able  to  do. 

''  I  will  assume  command  here,  because  I  think  my  duty 
requires  me  to  do  so;  and  whenever  your  notions  change, 
I  will  try  to  make  a  place  for  you  on  my  staff." 

'•  I  hope,  sir,  that  I  am  actuated  by  something  higher 
than  a  mere  ^notion' — I  have  argiwieuts  upon  which  to 
stand,  and  if  you  or  any  one  else  will  show  them  to  be 
false,  I  will  abandon  them." 

<'  I  did  not  design,  my  dear  sir,  to  wound  your  feelings 
in  the  slightest.  I  very  much  admire  both  your  arguinents 
and  your  moral  firmness." 

''  By  no  means  offended,  Colonel,  or,  I  beg  your  pardon, 
^  General*  I  should  havo  said.     I   only  want  to  have  the 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  31 

credit  of  being  actuated  b}'  pure  motives  and  apparently 
good  reasons*. " 

"  I  understand  you,  and  now  I  suppose  that  I  must 
forego  the  pleasure  of  having  you  on  my  atafF?" 

•'  My  purpose  is  unchangeable,  «r  j  though  I  seriously 
regret  that  you  should  be  deprived  of  any  pleasure  on  my 
account.  I  will  strive,  however,  to  elevate  those  of  my 
rank,  and  hope  to  be  the  means  of  affording:  you  some 
pleasure  in  this." 

Every  sentence  Virtus  addod  but  tended  to  impress  the 
General  more  and  more  with  his  high  intellectual  and 
moral  worth  ;  and  hence  his  regret  at  the  loss  of  such  a 
friend  from  his  immediate  counsels. 

'*  Well,  then,"  said  the  General,  "  if  you  will  not  leave 
the  ranks,  you  need  not  think  that  I  have  the  less  regard 
for  you  on  this  account.  Nay,  to  tell  you  the  truth,  it  even 
heightens  my  admiration  for  you.  Now,  you  must  allow 
me  at  least  the  pleasure  of  spending  many  social  hours 
with  you,  for  my  own  benefit.  And  when  I  need  your 
counsel  in  any  important  military  movement,  I  hope  you 
will  give  it  to  me  without  reserve." 

"  Thank  you,  General ;  I  will  certainly  cherish  the 
thought  with  pleasure,  {hat  f/ov  are  my  friend  ;  and  should 
you  ever  need  my  advice  in  any  matter,  it  will  be  cheer- 
fully granted." 

He  then  retired  to  his  tent,  leaving  the  General  in  silence 
to  admire  the  charactof  of  one  whose  "  price  is  above 
rubies." 

The  next  day  being  Saturday,  the  regiments  were  all 
required  to  wash  their  clothing,  and  be  in  readiness  for 
the  Sabbath.  It  was  about  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,when  under 
a  shady  bower  of  nature's  own  providing,  one  of  Zion's 
sweet  songs  was  sung  by  many  a  pious  soldier.  To  a  trav- 
eller ignorant  of  the  fact  that  civil  war  had  called  many  a 
brave  man  from  the  comforts  of  home,  the  present  bcene 
would  have  been  taken  for  a  regular  camp  meeting.     The 


32  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

order  was  perfect,  each  regiment  seated  by  itself,  the  whole 
forming  a  hollow  square.  At  the  root  of  a  tree  near  the 
centre  of  the  square  was  seated  a  minister  of  God  whose 
face  was  radiant  with  Divine  expression;  and  by  his  side 
the  General,  with  several  of  his  stalF,  was  seated  on  the 
ground. 

At  length  the  minister  arose  and  read  the  following 
hymn  : 

"  Am  I  a  soldier  of  the  cross  ? 
A  follower  of  the  Lamb  V  <fec. 

in  a  manner  well  calculated  to  induce  one  to  volunteer  in 
the  Divine  cause.  There  was  an  unction  and  a  pathos 
about   his  manner  that  I  never  witnessed   before  nor  since. 

Then  the  whole  congregation  joined  in  singing.  The 
eflfect  of  the  song  was  at  once  exhilerating  and  melting  to 
the  hearts  of  men  who,  but  a  few  weeks  before,  were  per- 
mitted to  worship  God  with  their  dear  friends  at  home. 

The  song  over,  a  touching  prayer  ascended  to  the  throne 
on  high.  Many  a  soldier  joined  in  this  nrayer,  and  at  its 
close  quietly  breathed  a  hearty   "  Amen." 

The  preacher  arose,  opened  his  pocket  Bible  and  read 
the  text : 

"  I  have  fciiglit  the  good  fight." 

I  shall  attempt  to  give  nothing  more  than  a  brief  sketcli 
of  his  sermon,  for  the  simple  reason  that  it  would  be  ira- 
pcssible  for  ine  to  do  more.     He  s&id  : 

"  My  friends,  we  are  engaged  in  a  two-fold  warfare  ; 
one  against  the  enemies  of  human  liberty ;  the  other  against 
the  enemy  of  our  souls.  The  former  involves  our  interests 
for  time — the  latter,  for  eternity. 

"  We  all  know  full  well  the  causes  which  led  to  this 
temporal  struggle.  Our  enemies  disregarding  all  constitu- 
tional obligations,  trampling  under  their  feet  onr  dearest 
rights,  and  in  violation  of  all  the  principles  of  justice, 
reason  and  enlightened  conscience^  have  forced  us  to  leave 


OUR    OWN    HEROES,  88 

our  homes,  with  all  their  eiKlearments,  and  meet  them  on 
these  bleak  mouDtain  tops  to  interp(5se  our  lives  berweeii 
them  and  our  nation'n  libeities.  And  considerin;j^  the  im- 
portance of  the  principles  involved  in  the  present  strugoje, 
who  docs  not  feel  that  no  sacrifice  of  treasure  or  of  blood 
is  too  great  for  him  to  make  't  There  is  not,  I  am  per- 
suaded, a  man  present,  to  whom  tlie comforts  and  blessings 
of  home  would  not  be  irksome,  while  the  enemy  threatens 
6ur  borders. 

''  Hut,  however  great  the  interests  involved  in  the  pres- 
ent issue,  they  are  extremely  couteroptible  when  compared 
with  those  involved  in  this  warfare  of  which  the  inspired 
Aoostle  speaks  in  the  text. 

"  TUe  thing  to  be  contended  for  in  this  great  struggle,  is 
the  soul — its  eternal  happiness  or  misfri/.  Every  man  that 
has  a  .sv>w/  should  be  engaged  in  this  fparfare.  Why  should* 
a  man  be  so  willing  to  secure  rcdiess  from  his  tomporal 
enemies — why  should  he  be  so  prompt  to  resent  a  cumpar- 
atively  slight  injury — when  a  numerous  host,  viler  even 
than  the  Abolitionists  have  invaded  the  territory  of  the 
so^il,  and  yet  he  does  not  impose  the  slightest  resistance  to 
their  soul-destroying  aggressions  ?  Why  so  prompt  to  se- 
cure a  temporary  good,  and  yet  remain  careless  of  your 
eternal  ii»terests? 

'"l  have  said  that  in  this  great  contest  the  eternal  inter- 
ests of  the  sotd  are  at  stake.  This  involves  your  all.  If 
the  battle  goes  against  yon,  injinite  fojture^  the  Joss  of  every 
desirable  liberty,  and  indescribable  wTje,  together  with 
eternal  slavery  will  be  your  lot.  If  successful,  the  inde- 
scribable biiss  r)f  heaven  will  be  yours  to  enjoy  for  ever  and 
ever.  In  this  eoviflict  there  is  infinite  ecit  to  be  avoided, 
and  infinite  'jo',d  to  be  secured. 

"  Let  us  now  consider  the  forces  engaged  in  this  fearful 
fitrugsrie. 

♦'Those  who  fight  against  the  soul,  are  the  Devil,  fthe 
commauder-in-ehief  j  ail  the  wicked  spirits  who  are  subject 

3 


S4  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

to  his  control,  the  u-orld,  anc^  the  jleah.  These,  together, 
form  a  most  formidable  host  ! 

"  The  Devil  goeth  about  as  a  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom 
he  may  devour  ;  or,  if  it  suits  his  purpose  better,  he  trans- 
forms himself  into  an  angel  of  light.  Ail  the  deiLon 
hordes  are  engaged  in  his  service  and  ready  to  do  his  bid- 
ding.    These  evil  spirits  labor  to  ruin  your  souls. 

''  They  use  the  world — its  pomp,  wealth,  and  promise^ 
pleasures,  as  a  means  to  ensnare  you.  Many  bright,  though 
fatally  delusive  pictures,  are  held  up  before  the  mind,  for 
the  purpose  of  engrossing  the  affections,  suborning-  reason, 
and  bribing  conscience. 

''  Then,  again,  the  flesh — your  own  wicked  desires,  feoi- 
in^s,  principles^  passions  and  lusts — these  are,  j^rhaps, 
your  greatest  enen)ies. 

"Now,  imagine  the  devil  using  the  world  with  all  its 
fiiscinations,  to  inflame  these  passions,  and  what  a  host 
there  is  contending  for  your  destruction  ! 

"  On  the  other  side,  Christ  appears  as  your  prime  leader. 
The  Holy  Spirit  is  his  '  Chief  of  Staff'.'  Angels  are  his 
faithful  allies.  All  the  faithful  followers  of  the  Lamb, 
whenever  we  *  take  sweet  counsel  with  them,*  will  embol- 
den us  for  the  conflict.  Then,  too,  Keason  and  Conscience,' 
Hope  and  Fear,  are  ready  to  lend  their  aid. 

"  The  word  of  God,  'the  sword  of  the  Spirit,'  informs 
us  ic7ien  and  icUtre  wc  may  expect  the  enemy,  iiow  we  should 
make  the  attack,  and  points  out  the  weapons  wc  must  use. 
This  word  also  furnishes  the  key  of  the  great  Armory, 
where  we  can  get  the  '  whole  armor  of  God.'  viz :  The 
lielmet  of  salvation,  the  shield  of  /'at'th,  t'ho  brea.^tplate  of 
righteousness^  the  girdle  of  truth  and  the  preparation  of 
the  Gospel  as  a  protection  for  our  ft;et.  Thu.s  armed,  if  we 
will  advance  with  full  confidence  in  our  leader,  and  with 
humble  prayer  that  he  will  protect  us,  the  victory  will 
be  ours— ^victory  here,  and  victory  luireafter.  And  when 
the  conflict  is  ended,  we  will  be  transplanted  in  the    Para- 


OVR   OWN    HEROES.  35^ 

disc  of  God,  where,  through  eternal  ages,  we  will  bloom  in 
unspeakable  glory  I 

"  I  as  a  commissioned  officer,  call  for  volunteers  in  this 
glorious  campaign.  Who  will  respond?  Conscripts  can 
never  be  admitted — you  must  volunfeer!  I  promise  you  a 
large  bounty  of  '  a  conscience  vuid  of  offence' — peace, 
happiness.  Come  and  enlist  undert'nis  noblest  of  all  leaders, 
who  is  at  once  omnipotent,  omuicient,  and  infinitely  merci- 
ful, just  and  good."  '     ■■  ' 

Such  were  the  prominent  fetvtures  of  this  remarkable 
sermon  ;  yet  to  appreciate  it  Killy,  it  was  necessary  to  hear 
it,  and  .sv*?  the  speaker. 

After  the  minister  closcd,''fKe  f^eneral  arose,  and  made 
a  few  well-timed  remarks.  He  fully  endorsed  what  the 
preacher  had  said,  and  encouroged  the  men  to  enlist  under 
the  banners  of  King  luimanuei.     He  furthermore  stated  : 

•'  1st-  That  he,  while  in  command,  would  require  the 
proper  observance  of  the  Sabba'h. 

"  2d.  That  there  should  be  no  drills  of  any  character  on 
the  Sabbath. 

"  od.  That  all  would  be  expected  to  attend  Divine  ser- 
Tice  on  Sabbath. 

*'4th.  That  gambling-,  drunkenness,  profanity,  stealing, 
&c.,  &c.,  would  not  be  tolerated." 

The  large  congregatitn,  at  the  instance  of  the  General, 
then  arose  and  sang  the  following  beautiful  lines: 

"On  the  mountain's  top  appearing, 

liO  tho  sacred  herald  stiiuds ; 
Welcome  news  to  Zion  bearing— 
Zion  long  in  hostile  land?.  >^ 
Mourning  captive, 
God  himself  shall  loose  thy  bands,"  <to. 

The  assembly  had  but  just  dispersed,  when  a  courier 
was  seen  advancing  at  full  speed,  from  the  direction  of  the 
enemy.  He  was  probably  not  less  than  a  mile  \n  the  dis- 
tance when  he  was  first  scea.  ''  What  can  thia  sijjnify  1'" 
queried  aiU  Ii^JuAirax  U  ^^  (X^^MflOi^  ^  Mfi^^AOi  ^ 


36  OUR  OWN    HEKors. 


CHAPTEE  IL 


The  courier  found  his  way  up  the  winding  road  to  th^ 
narrow  pass  in  the  Gap5~,jnquired  for  the  General's  head- 
quarters, and  hastened  to  deliver  his  message.  The  news 
was  highly  exciting.  The  (;Oionels  were  at  once  summoned 
to  the  General's  tent,  and  they  "  went  into  secret  session." 
Having  no  "  Aid,"  the  General  sent  for  Virtus.  "  If  I 
can  only  get  the  aid  of  this  young  nobleman,^'  said  the 
General  to  himself,  "  I  will  not  fear  the  face  of  the  enemy." 

The  Colonels  retired  and  Virtus  entered. 

*'  Come,  now,  friend  Virtus,  will  von  not  act  as  my  Aid — 
my  Adjutant,  rather,  for  a  few  days  ?     I  nef.dyonv  services." 

''  I  greatly  regret  the  sacrifice  of  a  great  principle  ;  and 
next  to  this,  I  would  regret  to  disoblige  you   honored  sir." 

"  It  is  only  for  the  present  emergency  that  1  require  youi". 
services." 

"  ^wt  principles  do  laot  change  with  time,"  answered  ill©, 
other. 

'•  True,  yet  '■  time  and  occasions'  may  change  one's  duty," 

"You  can  detail  m(i  as  your  Adjutant,  if  you  like;  hut 
as  to  leaving  my  position  voluntarily,  that  I  will  not  do  so, 
long  as  I  am  in  the  service." 

"  Would  you  serve  as  faithfully  under  a  detail  as  you 
would  voluntarily  ?" 

*'  I  would  tr^  to  do  my  duti/,  though  I  might  not  be  able 
to  do  as  well  as  if  I  should  act  ot  my  own  accord." 

"  I  will  risk  that,  if  you  will  not  become  offended 
at  the  detail." 

*'  I  shall  not  bfe  offeadedj  sir,  if  ycfu  detail  me  btous^ 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  87 

you  think  you  can  do  no  better,  and   if  the  detail  is  to  last 
but  for  'A  ftio  <lui/i>-^ 

"  You  are  detailed,  then." 

"  The  enemy,"  continued  the  G-eneral,  are  crossinj^  over 
the  mountain  below  us,  and  from  all  accounts  will  soon  be 
in  our  rear,  and  cut  off  all  cominunic  ition  with  the  Govern- 
ment. It  h  diffijult  to  know  what  is  best  to  be  done.  If 
we  remain  here,  the  probabilities  are  that  we  will  be  forced, 
for  want  of  provisions.  1o  surrender;  if  we  evacuate  the 
Gap,  we  surrender  the  key  to  this  whole  country.  What 
think  you  ?" 

"  I  do  not  know  what  the  strength  of  the  enemy  is. 
My  action  would  be  governed  very  much  by  this;  if  the 
enemy  arc  not  more  than  two  or  three  to  one,  I  should  not 
evacuate  this  strong  position." 

"  The  enemy  are  reported  10, 0^)0  strong." 

"Their  rent?  number,  then,  will  not  exceed  6,000;  for 
numbers  are  usually  much  exaggerated.  Our  own  stren<,^th, 
I  should  juJge,  is  not  fir  Irom  3,000.  I  should  not 
retreat." 

*'  What  would  you  do  ?" 

*'  I  would  dispatch  one  or  more  couriers  to  the  railroad, 
and  call  for  5,000  men  at  once." 

"But  where  can  so  many  man  be  had  ?" 

"There  is   just   about  that  number  at ,  and   they 

can  get  here  in  48  hours,  by  a  forced  march." 

*'  Much  better  quilifiai  to  be  a  General  than  I  am," 
thought  the  officer,  as  these  words  of  wisdom  fell  from  the 
private's  lips. 

*'  Would  you  order  these  rein  forcemeats  to  come  all  the 
way  to  the  Gap." 

"No,  sir;  they  should  stop  about  20  miles  from  this 
place,  so  as  to  close  in  upon  the  enemy  if  he  turn.s  upon  us; 
or  fall  upon  him  if  he  mike-j  his  way  to  the  railroad." 

"  But  suppose  t*heae  reinforcctueats  should  uot  be  abU 
tbcome?'*  . 


86  oiTR  ayTN  heroes. 

*^  That  is  liardly  probable  as  they  were  at  -^ — -  three 
days  ago  :  and  bcj-ides,  1  do  rot  know  where  they  could 
be  needed  more  ihtin  in  this  military  dopartmcnt."      " 

Ihe  General  had  regqlved  on  pursuing  very  much  the 
course  prescribed  by  A'^irlus,  and  now  that  his  dearest 
friend  in  the  army  had,  by  his  own  keen  intellect,  pointed 
out  the  same  course  as  that  best  to  be  adopted,  he  ielt 
much  confirmed  in  his  plans. 

"  But,"  continued  the  General,  •"  I  must  at  once  send 
some  on  to  the  railrot.d,  to  ibrward  a  dispatch  lor  the 
troops;  and  this  1  rcgardas  a  nsost  important  service.  Our 
very  »?xi&ten^*e  depends  on  the  success  o.l'  the  courier !'' 

*' Very  important,"  said  the  other,  "  and  1. would  send 
not  le«s  than  three." 

"  I  will  send  ^ou  the  nearest  rout,  and  two  others  by  a 
different  rout."  Pointing,  to  his  fleet  black  steed,  '*  he  will 
carry  you  through  safe — ^he  can  mtike  the  trip  in  six  hours." 

"  Hand  me  your  orders,  and  1  will  begone — there  is  no 
time  to  b^  lost." 

"  The  General   snatched  up  a  piece  of  paper  and    wrote 

as  follows  :  "  Brig.  Gen. ,  Bear  feir  : — The  enemy 

are  crossing  the  mountain    South    ol"  us,    lor  the  purpose, 
doubtless,  of  cutting  us  off,  or  causing  us  to  evacuate  the 

Gap.     Bring  your   troops  to ,    on  th^  first  train,  and 

then  march  out   to- ^  roads,  16  miles  south    of  this 

place.  Stationed  at  this  point,  you  will  be  ready  to  meet 
the  enemy,  should  he  make  ior  the  railroad;  or  ycu  will 
fall  upon  his  rear,  if  he  moves  against  us  at  the  Gap.  One 
of  my  Aids  will  meet  ycu  at  said  ^x  roads.  ^Kvery  thing 
depends  upon  your  prompt  movement* 
Yours  with  anxiety, 

„ —  Brig.  Gen.  Commanding. 

Concealing  this  note  carefully  about  his  person,  Virtus, 
with  two  navy  repeaters  "  in  p(cket,"  mounted  the  black 
charger,  and  put  off  ior  the  rail  road.  Other  et)urifer's 
ivirfe  sfent  by  diffbrfent  rbtitfea. 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  3^ 

No  one  who  has  not  himself  boen  a  courier  iu  a  torj 
country,  can  appreciate  fully  the  dangers  to  which  they 
are  exposed.  For  the  sake  of  savinj^  a  coininind,  they 
often  imperil  their  own   lives. 

Virtus  was  now  to  m  ike  a  journey  of  40  miles  throuj^h 
the  midst  of  tories  and  bushwh.ickers,  and  possibly,  too, 
he  mi^^ht  come  in  contact  with  the  enemy.  Bu*:  his  heart 
was  brave  enough  to  carry  him  wherever  duty  called  him. 
No  coward  fear  made  him  loiter  on  the  wiy  ;  and  though 
his  style  of  travel  pointed  him  out  as  the  bearer  of  impor- 
tant messages,  and  as  a  mark  for  every  idle  bushwhacker 
to  shoot  at,  his  noble  heart,  nerved  with  the  justice  of  his 
cause,  and  supported  by  the  arm  of  omnipotence,  fluttered 
ttot  at  the  idea  of  his  dan-jjerous  adventure. 
^  The  noble  steed  desceids  the  mount  lin  slope  in  a  sweep- 
ing ijallop,  proud  of  the  manly  rider  that  filled  the  saddle. 
On,  on  they  went,  unmolested,  until  they  reached  a  narrow 
pass  through  a  mountain  spur,  where  prctjipitous  rocks 
overhano^  the  road.  lie  had  not  gone  far  in  the  dark  pass, 
before  zip !  zip !  whistled  the  builets  near  him.  The 
report  of  the  guns  showed  that  the  cowardly  lohackcrs 
were  on  the  cliff  of  rock  above  him  to  the  left.  ,  A  savage 
yell  from  the  barbarians  had  but  pierced  his  ear.  v:hen  two 
stalwart  looking  men  appeared  in  the  road  befi)re  him, 
resolved,  it  seemed,  to  contest  his  passage  with  their  lives  ! 
"  What  shall  I  do  ?"  queried  our  hero  as  he  popped  the 
spurs  deeper  still  into  the  fiides  of  the  dashing  charger. 
**  My  (lafi/  requires  me  to  g(t^  and  go  I  will,  or  my  life  shall 
pay  the  forfeit,"  vas  his  stern  resolve.  Palling  out  one  of 
his  repeaters  and  dashing  forward  at  full  speed,  he  deter- 
mined to  do  them  all  the  damage  possible,  even  if  he  fell 
ia  the  conflict. 

When  he  approached  within  thirty  paces  of  the  enemy 
they  raised  their  guns  to  fire;  and  at  this  instant  the  fear- 
less rider  "  pulled  down  "  on  one  of  the  wretches,  and  he 
fdU.     The  other  frighteaed  at  the  sad  fate  of  hia  comrade, 


40  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

dropped  his  gun  and  darted  for  the  bushes  "■  for  dear  life,'' 
Unfortunately  for  him,  he  wns  a  little  too  late ;  for  a  ball 
from  the  faithful  repeater,  struck  him  in  the  leg,  and  he 
fell,  crjnng  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  "  help!  help!  I" 

With  no  one  to  dispute  hi^  passnge,  the  hero  on  his  foam- 
ing steed,  measured  space  at  the  rate  of  about  a  mile  ia 
3  minutes.  Nor  was  his  heart  devoid  of  gratitude  to  Him 
who  alone  can  save  in  the  hour  of  danger.  On  he  went 
until  he  ascended  a  hill  that  furnished  a  view  of  the  road 
that  lay  before  him.  His  keen  eye  soon  scanned  the  road 
as  far  as  he  could  see  it,  and  seeing  no  one  to  dispute  his 
passage,  he  drew  in  his  reins,  and  resumed  a  more  moderate 
pace.  Another  hour  brought  him  within  view  of  a  cav- 
alry band  of  about,  as  best  he  could  judge,  one  hundred 
men,  coming  towards  him.  *'  Who  are  these  ?"  queftioned 
the  hero.  "Their  uniforms  are  those  of  the  enemy!" 
Quick  as  thought  he  wheeled  around,  and  went  back  a  few 
paces.  Looking  back  he  saw  the  enemy  coming  after  him 
at  full  tilt,  their  sabers,  meantime,  making  a  noise  that 
would  have  paralyzed  the  valor  of  one  less  brave.  Kein-  • 
ing  his  horse  out  of  the  road  he  began  to  ascend  the  moun- 
tain side.  Had  he  been  riding  a  horse  less  nimble  and 
fleet  than  Selim,  of  revolutionary  fame,  he  never  would 
have  reached  the  top ;  but  as  fortune,  or  rather,  Provi- 
dence would  have  it,  the  snorting  steed  carried  him  safely 
up  the  mountain  height,  which  the  enemy  essaying  to  do, 
found  impracticable.  They  fired  after  him,  but  without 
effect. 

The  mountain  range  ran  very  nearly  parallel  with  the 
road,  though  at  too  great  a  distance  from  it  to  endanger 
him  from  the  bullets  of  the  enemy.  Having  gained  the 
top,  he  went  on  bis  way  more  leisurely.  From  an  opening 
in  the  green  woods,  he  could  occasionally  see  the  road, 
though  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  reach  it,  if  hi?  had 
everj  desired  it.       - 

For  several  miles  he  travelled  over  rough  ledges  of  rock 


OVR   OWN    HEROES.  4% 

that  to  one  on  a  less  important  errand,  and  less  determined 
to  **  make  the  trip,"  would  have  appeared  almost  impossible. 

The  sun  was  just  about  hiding  itself  behind  the  western 
mountains,  when  the  hero  discovered  that  he  was  uearing 
the  road  only  a  few  yards  from  the  spot  where  he  was  pre- 
viously captured  by  the  bushwhackers.  Ten  miles  more, 
and  he  would  be  at  the  railroad.  <' I  fancy  now,"  said  he 
to  himself,  "  that  I  am  out  of  the  reach  of  bush.whack- 
ers.     I  will  have  an  easy  time  the  rest  of  the  way." 

But  this  belief  did  not  throw  him  ofi'  his  guard.  His 
dark  ey^s  took  in  not  less  than  100  degrees  in  his  front; 
so  tlioroughly  did  he  scan  every  lurking  place  suited  for 
the  eueni}'. 

It  was  growing  dusk  when  he  ho^e  in  sight  of  the  de- 
sired town.  He  soon  reached  the  telegraph  office,  sent  his 
important  message,  and  received  as  an  answer:  "'0.  K.' 
We  will  be  up  within  four  hours." 

Bt\^.  Gen.  Com'd'p- 

It  is  difficult  for  one  to  imagine  the  pleasure  which  Vir- 
tus felt  on  receiving  this  reply.  He  felt  that  he  had  very 
probably  been  the  means  of  saving  his  whole  brigade  fnm 
capture;  and  while  he  viewed  the  feat  which  he  had  jer- 
formed,  with  complacency,  he  thanked  God  ibr  that  kind 
Providence  which  had  saved  his  life,  brougiit  him  through 
such  dangers'  unharmed,  and  enubled  him  to  perform  a 
a  work  so  beneficial  to  his  command  and  to  his  country. 

Riding  up  to  a  livery  stable,  he  ordered  his  h(.rse  fed 
well,  and  rubbed  for  an  hour.  He  th(  n  made  his  way  to 
a  hotel,  where  he  got  supper.  While  at  the  supper  table, 
astern  looking  old  gentleman,  who  sat  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  table,  questioned  our  hero  as  follows  : 

"  Do  you  belong  to  the  army,  sir  ?" 

''  I  do,  sir,"  was  the  reply. 

"  To  whose  command  ?" 

i^ToGeu. 's." 

"  Where  is  he  stationed  ?" 


42  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

''  At Gap." 

'*  How  many  troops  are  there  ?" 

"I  cannot  tell  you,  sir." 

''  Are  you  ignorant  of  the  number,  or  do  you  not    wish 

to  tell  r 

''  I  do  not  know  precisely  how  many  troops  are  there; 
and  if*  I  did,  I  would  not  be  at  liberty  to  tell." 

"  When  did  you  leave  the  Gap  r"' 

*'  Not  a  great  while  ago,  sir  " 

"  You  are  not  very  communicative,  sir." 

<'  No  sir." 

**  You  certainly  might  afford  to  tell  when  you  left  the 
G^ip." 

"  Sir,  I  must  inform  you,  once  for  all,  that  I  am  much 
less  communicative  than  you  are  inquisitive.  I  have  no 
desire  to  off-^nd  you  or  any  one  else ;  but  I  don't  like  fo»'  a 
stninijer  to  ask  me  so  many  questions." 

^' You  are  quite  sensitive,  youn<jf  man;  and  doubtless 
feel  your  own  importance  as  most  soldiers  do." 

"You,  sir,  would  be  more  important  in  my  estimation, 
if  i/ou  were  a  soldier,  ready  to  meet  the  invaders  of  our 
country.  As  to  my  own  opinion  of  myself,  I  have  this  to 
say  :  1  am  a  little  too  prudent  to  tell  my  bu.«iness  to  stran- 
{lers,  even  if  by  refusing  to  do  so,  I  gain  their  displeasure. 
I  think  too  much  of  myself  to  be  made  a  goose  of,"  and 
with  this,  he  gave  the  old  man  a  glance  that  satisfied  his 
curiosity,  or  at  least  served  to  check  his  iynpertinence. 

'  The  truth  is,  this  same  old  man  was  a  staunch  admirer 
of  Abe  Lincoln  ;  and  carried  the  mail,  secretly,  from  the 
tory  families,  and  brought  letters  from  the  Northern  army 
to  them.  He  was  apprised  of  the  fact  that  the  Yankee 
army  was  approaching,  and  he  wished,  if  possible  to  find 
out  whether  the  army  at  the  Gap  knew  anything  of  their 
advance.  Finding  himself  unable  to  succeed  in  gaining 
any  information  from  our  hero  by  the  means  already  adopted, 
he  changed  his  policy  and   beyan  a  different    process.    • 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  48 

"  I  did  not  wiBh,  my  dear  «ir,  to  offend  you;  nor  to  pry 
into  your  busineFS.  I  ar:  jilad  to  find  a  soldier  that  can 
keep  a  secret.  I  tliiuk  the  more  of  yoii  for  this.  Am 
you  going  l;tick  to  the  Gap  gcon,  .sir  ?  i  live  between  this 
place  and  the  Gap,  and  would  be  glad  to  have  you?*  com- 
pany/' 

"  1  have  not  determined  precisely  uhoy  I  will  return, 
nor  in  what  direction.  1  have  stme  matters  of  business  to 
attend  to,  and  may  not  be  able  (o  get  back  for  several  days. 
You  Fay  you  live  on  the  road  between   this  and  the  Gap?" 

"  Yes." 

*'  Immediately  on  the  road  ?" 

"  No  :  about  half  a  mile  from  the  road." 

Supper  now  over,  the  convert?ation  ceased;  yet  the  old 
man  showed  evident  signs  of  uneasiness.  He  sought  to 
protract  the  coi.ver.^ratir.n  ;  but  he  liad  no  reason  to  hope 
that  he  could  extract  any  valuable  information  from  our 
well-guarded  hero.  This  niisemble  tory  knew  that  the 
yankees  had  passed  over  the  mountain,  and  he  feared  that 
news  had  been  brought  of  that  fact.  He  resorted  to  one 
other  trick,  to  ascertain,  if  possible,  the  object  of  the  sol- 
dier's visit  to  town  ;  and  he  accordingly  inquired  as  follows  : 

"  I)o  you  kniAv  any  thing  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  en- 
emy that  has  threatened  the  t^ap" 

"  I  perceive,  sir,"  answered  the  other.  '*  that  you  arc  re- 
markably inquisitive.  Allow  me  to  ask  you  a  iew  questions. 
Are  you  a  Suuthern  man  ?" 

**  1  am  j  I  was  born  and  raised  in  the  South.  ?" 

'*  I  don't  mean  that,  sir;  I  mean,  are  you  for  the  South 
in  the  present  war  ?" 

1  he  old  tory  betrayed  great  confusion  ;  but  at  length  re- 
plied, "  I  am,  sir.'' 

There  were  several  gentlemen  sitting  near,  who  heard  his 
answer,  and  turned  towards  him  in  utter  astoni.shmcnt ;  for 
they  all  knew  him  to  be  opposed  to  the  South,  or,  in  other 
wtjrdsi  a  tory.     IbO  Old  feliowj  wishitjg  to  aosXvor  nO  morti 


44  OtTR   OWN    HEROJES. 

questions,  began  to  cougli,  and  move  towards  the  door.  As 
soon  as  be  reached  the  door  he  stepped  out,  and  began  to 
walk,  and  ttien  to  run,  away  as  fast  as  possible. 

Virtus,  who  had  aheady  suspected  his  loyalty,  walked  to 
the  door,  and  called  to  him  to  come  back  ;  but  finding  that 
he  would  not  stop,  and  suspecting  that  he  was  a  spy,  he  put 
otf  after  him,  and,  being  nimble  of  foot,  soon  overtook 
him. 

"  Why  are  you  running,  sir?" 

''  I  find  that  I  have  overstayed  my  time  already,  and  I 
must  hasten  home." 

"  Not  quite  so  fast,  sir;  you  are  my  prisoner.  Stop  this 
instant,  or  if  you  are  not  a  dead  man  in  a  minute,  you  will 
wish  fbn  had." 

"  Your  prisoner  ! !  What  have  I  done,  that  I  am  to  be 
thus  summarily  arrested  V 

"  We  will  inquire  into  that  afterwards — ^come  back  with 
me." 

The  torj  turned  to  come  back ;  for  he  knew  that  if  he 
did  not  obey  the  order,  he  would  receive  a  ball  in  him  right 
soon.  When  they  Te-entered  the  house,  the  young  man 
delivered  the  prisoner  over  to  some  soldiers,  to  be  well 
guarded  until  an  officer  should  take  his  case  in  hand. 

Seeing  the  old  man  striving  to  shift  some  papers  from  his 
pocket,  he  seized  them,  and,  on  examination,  found  that 
he  had  several  letters  to  tories  in  the  yankee  army.  He 
also  found  one  letter  giving  very  important  information  rel- 
ative to  the  immediate  movements  of  the  enemy.  He  care- 
fully pocketed  the  letter,  and,  privately,  told  the  soldiers  to 
guard  him  as  a  spj/,  until  a  superior  officer  should  call  for 
him.     This  they  pledged  themselves  to  do  at  all  hazards. 

He  then  called  for  a  private  room,  to  which  he  immedi- 
atel'y  retired.  Having  procured  pen,  iiik,  and  paper,  he 
then  addressed  the  following  note  to  the  Greuerai  to  whom 
he  had  previously  seut  the  dispatch: 


OtTR    OWN    HEROICS,  45 


Brig.  Gen. 


Sir, 

Having  been  detailed  on  Brig.  Gen. 

• 's  staff,  I  was  at  once   dispatched   to  this  place,  to 

telegraph  you  the  iDformatioii  which  you  received  this  even- 
ing. On  my  way  to  this  place  I  encountered  the  enemy's 
cavalry.  I  think  it  certain  that  the  enemy  will  move  in 
force  against  the  G:ip  to-morrow  or  next  day.  Ihis  1  judge 
irom  the  fact  that  I  met  their  cavalry  12  miics  this  side  of 
the  Gap,  proceeding  in  that  direction.  You  will  have  to 
make  ail  pof^sii»le  speed,  to  prevent  the  force  at  the  Gap 
from  being  cut  off. 

I  arrestt^  a  suspicious  character  in  this  place  this  even- 
ing, and  found  treasonable  letters  on  his  person.  Ibeguard 
will  deliver  him  over  to  you. 

1  will  leave  within  a  few  minutes  for  the  Gap,  and  will 

do  my  utmost  to  have  a    messenger   meet  you   at >^ 

roads  to-morrow  by  12  m. 

Your  ob'dt  serv't, 

R    VIRTUS, 
A.  A.  G.  (pro  tea].) 

He  closed  his  letter  and  went  to  get  his  horse.  AVhat  an 
undertaking  to  attempt  to  go  back  to  the  Gap  that  ni^ht  ! 
The  eneu)y's  cavalry  were  certainly  on  the  only  road  that 
he  knew  thai  led  to  his  command.  Bushwhackers  were  in 
jrnat  abundance;  and  very  probably  the  enemy's  infantry 
were  encamped  on  the  same  road  !  But  all  this  did  not 
alurm  our  noble  hero.  He  felt  that  he  could  face  death 
itself,  if  duty  required  him  to  do  so.  ]\Ioreover,  he  knew 
that  his  life  was  in  the  liands  of  God,  and  that  He  could  and 
would  protect  him,  if  He  saw  best  to  do  so  And  even  if 
he  should  die,  he  had  a  bright  hope  of  a  glorious  immortal- 
ity beyond  the  grave,  and  that  death  would  but  hasten  his 
perfect  bliss.  Why  should  one,  "  whose  heart  is  stayed  on 
God/'  fear  danger?     Why  ahOuid  One*  whose  happiuesa 


46  ^  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

will  but  begin  to  d/ivrn  at  death,  tremble  to  meet  the  dread 
monster  ? 

Ibe  heart  of  one  less  brave  and  religious,  might  well 
have  quailed  before  the  danger  that  lay  in  the  path  of  the 
hero.<^ 

The  noble  steed,  faithfully  fed  and  rubbed,  came  out  of 
his  stall  with  head  up.  fully  ready  for  the  trip.  One  would 
hardly  suppose  from  his  locks,  that  he  had  carried  his  rider 
already  forty  miles  that  day,  at  the  rate  of  eight  miles  per 
hour  ! 

In  the  saddle,  he  lopes  off  ''  as  supple  as  aiawn."  Every 
ei^bt  n^inutes  carry  him  a  mile.  He  passed  some  persons, 
and  met  some^  yet  he  halted  Lot,  until  he  arrived  at  the  top 
of  a  high  hill,  near  the  place  where  the  bushwhackers  had 
captured  him.  Looking  in  the  direction  of  the  Gap,  he  saw 
the  lights  of  the  enenjy's  camp-fires,  reflected  on  the  moun- 
tain-side. 

"  What  fhall  I  do  now  ?"  queried  the  hero,  as  bethought 
of  the  rough  mountain-top  over  which  he  had  escaped  from 
the  enemy  a  few  hours  before.  To  attempt  to  travel  the 
road,  would  insure  his  capture. 

It  was  a  star-light  night,  and  the  moon  would  be  up  by 
11  o'clock.  "  Possibly,"  thought  he,  "  I  may  be  able  to 
make  the  trip.  There  is  nothing  like  trying."  Upon  this 
he  reigned  his  steed  to  the  right,  and  began  to  ascend  the 
mountain.  U  he  reader  can  bai  dly  appreciate  the  difficulties 
in  our  hero's  way,  unless  he  is  ycquainted,  from  personal 
experience,  with  the  rugged  mountain-tops  of  the  Camber- 
Jand  or  Alleghany  range. 

Slowly  he  felt  his  way  along,  sometimes  walking  and 
sometimes  riding,  until,  after  on  hour's  travel,  he  came 
within  full  view  of  the  enemy's  camps.  lie  halted,  and 
surveyed  the  fires  with  great  particularity,  designing  to  as- 
certain as  nearly  as  p(ssible  the  number  of  troops.  He 
could  distinguii-h  the  encampments  of  regiments.  "  There 
are;''  tbovght  be,  ^'  abuut  d^OU).  triDbps  kiro.    If  tbiugs  g<y 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  47 

well,  they  will  either  fall  into  our  hands,  or  i^turn  over  the 
mountain  more  rapidly  than  they  came." 

He  resumed  his  dangerous  course  on  the  mountain- 
heit^lits,  and  soon  he  discovered  that  the  enemy's  encamp- 
ment extended  as  far  as  to  the  place  where  the  road  crossed 
the  mountain-rani^e  oa  which  he  was  travelin-r  He  halted, 
calmly  surveyed  the  prospect,  and  found  that  he  must  de- 
scend the  mountain  on  tlie  ri<;ht,  and,  if  possible,  ascend  the 
next  range.  Accordingly,  he  dismount-id,  and  led  his  horse 
down  the  precipice.  At  times  he  found  it  aliDost  impo.^si- 
ble  to  prevent  tumbling  headlong  down  the  mjuntain  ;  but 
winding  along,  he  at  length  reached  a  deep  ravine  between 
the  two  mountains.  Cautiou-ly  he  felt  his  way  alonj:,  until 
at  length  he  found  an  old  road  running  alona:  between  the 
mountains.  It  would  not  do  to  follow  this  far,  lest  he  should, 
on  gainin2:  the  main  road,  come  in  contact  with  the  enemy. 
He  must  begin,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  climb  the  mountain 
on  the  right.  How  this  could  be  done,  did  not  at  first  ap- 
pear; for  it  seemed  to  be  very  steep.  Slowly  he  moved 
along  the  roid,  in  search  of  a  by-path  ^hat  would  lead  him 
up  tho  declivity.  Ho  had  not  gone  far  when  a  dark  form 
presented  itself  in  the  road  before  him  !  '*  Is  this  one  ot 
the  enemy's  pickets?"  queried  he  to  himself.  "I  am  too 
close  now  to  retreat,"  thought  he;  "so  I  will  go  on,  and 
see  what  it  is." 

Having  gone  a  few  paces  farther,  he  saw  that  it  was  a 
mm.  a  s:jldier  !  "  This  cannot  be  one  of  our  soldiers," 
thought  he,  '•  so  I  will  prepare  to  defend  myself."  So 
pulling  out  his  faithful  rope  iter,  he  presented  it  on  the 
mm  in  front  of  him,  and  kepu  advancing.  *'  Halt!  halt!  ! 
halt!!!  who  come  dar  i'"  cime  from  the  excited  Dutch 
picket,  and  he  raised  his  gun  to  shoot  But  before  he  had 
time  to  take  aim,  a  bull  struck  him,  and  dror/i>ing  his  gun, 
he  measured  space  very  rapidly  up  the  roa  !  ti«ward  the 
camp  fires.  Other  forms  arose  before  him,  but  panic- 
strickeo,  they  all  fied  iu   wild  confusion   In  the  same  dircc- 


48  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

tion.  The  yA\  raised  by  these  retroating  valiants,  alarmed 
the  regiment  that  encajiiped  some  half  mile  distant,  and 
great  confusion  prevailed  in  their  midst.  It  was  not  cer- 
tain in  the  mind  of  our  hero,  whether  the  enemy  were  pre- 
paring to  retreat  or  advance ;  but  finding  a  place  where  it 
seemed  possible  to  ascend  the  mountain,  he  began  the  ardu- 
ous work.  Slowly  belabored  his  way  up,  until  finally  he 
reached  the  top,  where  he  could  plainly  see  the  enemy's 
fires.  About  this  time  the  moon  began  to  peep  over 
the  eastern  hills,  and  cast  her  pale  mantle  of  light  over  the 
tree  tops.  The  scene  would  have  been  admired  in  times  of 
peace  ;  but  the  gloomy  shadows  of  war  have  fallen  upon 
most  of  nature's  beauties  and  eclipsed  their  glory  ! 

It  now  became  important  for  the  hero  to  consult  his 
course,  and  decide  in  what  direction  to  move.  From  his 
elevated  position,  he  saw  that  the  mountain  made  a  con- 
siderable curve,  leaving  the  enemy  fur  to  the  left.  To 
ti;ke  one  direction  or  the  other,  was  his  only  alternative ;  so 
he  began  to  move  on  as  fast  as  possible  in  the  direction  of 
the  curve,  feeling  assured  that  this  would  not  lead  him  far 
out  of  his  way.  Though  the  path  was  rough,  he  found 
less  difficulty  in  making  his  way,  owing  to  the  friendly  in- 
fluence of  Luna.  Grateful  to  him  who  holds  in  his  own 
hands  the  destiny  of  nations  and  of  men,  ho, hurried  on 
his  way  making  about  four  miles  an  hour.  Be  passed 
within  sight  of  the  enemy's  pickets,  or  cavalry,  near  the 
place  he  had  met  them  before,  though  not  from  ihe  same 
range  of  mountains,  along  which  he  had  esciiped  early  iu 
the  evening.  Going  several  miles  farihcr,  he  beean  to  de- 
scend, and  after  much  difficulty  reached  the  bottom,  aud 
finally  after  going  over  another  mountain,  he  reacbed  the 
road  1  "  Thanks  to  Him  who  has  been  so  kind  as  to  guard 
me  safe  thus  far,"  soared  to  heaven  (^n  the  win^zs  of  pure 
gratitude.  Who  but  God  could  have  brought  him  through 
60  many  dangers  and  so  great? 

At  a  sweeping  pace  he  completed  the  lestof  his  journey, 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  49 

reachirg  the  General's  head-quarters  abcnt  half-past  two 
o'clock,  a.  m.,  neither  buslnvluicker  nor  yunkec  annoying 
hiui.  He  found  the  General  up  and  wide  uwukc,  no  sleep 
having  visited  his  eyelids  during  the  night. 

Virtus  was  met  at  the  tent  door,  and  greeted  with  as 
much  cordiality  as  if  he  had  been  the  "  Commander  in 
Chief."  His  noble  headland  generous  heart  were  fully  ap- 
preciated by  the  General,  and  his  adniiratitm  for  him  was 
augmented  by  the  iact  that  his  friend's  virtue  and  intes:- 
rity  were  proof  against  all  temptation.  The  price  of  such 
characters  is  far  above  rubies. 

On  entering  the  tent,  Virtus  handed  the  General  tbo  dis- 
patches which  he  had  received  from  General ,  which 

were  read  with  much  eiigerness.  Qhe  position  and  proba- 
ble number  of  the  enemy  were  then  given  ;  and  the  i»eces- 
sity  of  sendingsome  one  to  meet  the  re-inforeements  at  day- 
light the  next  morning,  was  also  laid   beiore  him.      "  It  in 

all-important,"  said  he,  '*  that  Gen. should  have  some 

instructions  early  to-morrow;  for  he  will  be  within  six  or 
seven  miles  of  the  enemy  by  day-break." 

"  Is  the  enemy  moving  in  this  direction  ?'  inquired  the 
the  General. 

"  There  is  no  doubt  of  it,"  responded  the  other;  "for 
their  advance  is  with  n  twelve  miles  of  this  place,  and  their 
rear  is  this  side  the   X  roads." 

"  I  have  been  studying  who  shall  be  sent.     It  will  not  do 
to  entrust  this  business  to  a  common  man;  and  to  call  on 
you  to  do  it,  would  be  asking  too  much." 
"  Have  the  other  couriers  returned  ?" 
"I  have  seen  nothing  of  thtin.     Did  you  meet  them  at 
the  railroad  ?" 

"  No,  sir;  they  had  not  arrived  there  when  I  left." 
"  I  fear  they  have  been  captured." 
*'  It  is  quite  probable." 
"  >Vhat  would  you  advise  me  to  do  ?" 
**I  have  given  you  all  the  information   at  ciy  command, 
4 


50  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

and  I  suppose  you  are  able,  of  coiWfe,  to  decide  what  is  best 
to  be  done." 

"  True;  I  have  my  plans;  but  tliese  may  he  modified  by 
su<rgestiorj»  from  you.  1  bojie  never  to  rejicli  a  point  in 
n)y  military  career,  at  which  i  cnnoteven  change  my  plans 
when  better  ones  are  offered." 

'•  But  the  world  would  think  it  quite  strange,  and  even 
presumptuous,  in  me  to  bs  sul  niifn'ng  plans  to  a  Gene- 
ral I" 

"^  I  care  very  little  what  the  ic<rrld  thinks,  unlt-ss  it 
thinks  right;  but  this  it  cannot  do,  when  it  excludes  rea- 
son as  properly  exercising  an  influence  over  our  plans.  The 
fact  that  you  persist  in  calling  yourself  a  pricatc.  docs  not 
make  your  reason  or  judgment  any  less  valuable  to  me.  If 
you  were  a  M.ijor-generalv  your  views  would  be  none  the 
more  important.  Military  position  neither  adds  to  the  value 
cf  a  man's  reasons,  nur  makes  him  a  Dtan.  He  must  have 
worth,  not  of  an  acc/denfal,  but  of  an  iiuUvidiml  character, 
if  be  is  worth  an}^  thing." 

''  This  is  ail  very  true  ;  and,  allow  me  to  say,  I  feel  proud 
to  serve  under  a  general  whu  takes  this,  the  only  sensible 
view  of  the  subject.  But,  pardon  me,  sir;  there  is  no  time 
for  discussion  7ioio.     A  courier   should    be  sent  at  once  to 

meet  Gen. by  day-break  to-morrow  morning.     But 

as  you  have  asked  my  views,  1  will  give  them  in  few 
words." 

"If  you  please,"  interrupted  the  General. 

"Weil,  then,  a  courier  should  be  dispatched  at  once,  to 

meet  i_>»en.  ,  with   orders  from   you  to  press  on  the 

enemy's  rear  as  closeiy  as  possible.  By  this  means,  there 
will  be  no  chance  for  him  to  escape;  for  he  is /^6»k;  ihjs 
side  of  the  road  that  takes  him  back  the  way  he  came  over 
the  mountain  ;  yet  the  re-inforcements,  alter  they  gain  the 
cross  roads,  should  come  on  an  rapidly  as  possible;  not, 
however,  to  press  then),  or  discover  their  pursuit  until  the 
enemy  come  near  enough  to  attack  your  brigade. 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  51 

**  Then,  ajr^iin,  I  would  send  out  one  or  more  regiments 
about  two  miles  from  this  place,  where  ther.;  is  a  remarka- 
bly stron^j^  position.  With  a  few  pieces  of  artiilrry,  and  a 
rciriment  to  support  it,  the  enemy  can  never  advance  to  this 
place.  Besides,  that  is  a  much  better  position  for  defence 
than  this.     When  the  firing  commences  at  this  point,  as  it 

probably  will   by  10  o'clock,  a.  m.,    Gen.  s  forces 

can  close  upon  the  enemy's  rear,  arid  thus  we  will  probably 
capture  the  whole  force.     This  would  be  my  pro;j:ramme." 

"  But  what  if  the  enemy  should  be  advanein.,'  on  the 
other  side  of  the  Gapy" 

"  Let  them  advance;  one  or  two  regiments,  together  with 
our  heavy  iruns,  will  be  ample  to  repel  them." 

*' I  am  delighted,"  said  the  General,  ''with  your  pro- 
gramme; I  have  already  planted  a  battery  at  the  place  you 
have  mentioned,  and  a  regiment  is  now  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  place.  The  enemy  has  appeared  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Gap,  but  a  few  men  will  be  ample  to  repel  them.  Your 
plan  is  about  identical  with  mine.  The  courier  is  what 
troubles  me  I     How  is  he  to  pass  by  the  enemy  'r" 

"  Just  as  1  did  to-nigbt.  lie  can  pass  them  before 
light." 

*'  By  what  route  ?" 

"  He  can  travel  the  regular  road  twelve  miles,  then  take 
the  moujitain  on  the  left,  and  thus  paj^s  them." 

"  Will  you  suggest  the  name  of  some  one  competent  to 
the  task?'' 

"  I  can  go  myself,  or  try  it,  if  you  wi.sh.  The  road  is 
full  of  danger,  and  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost.  Should  the 
enemy  start  this  way  before  day,  as  he  probably  will,  there 
is  a  great  probability  of  my  being  captured." 

"  liut  you  are  too  much  exhausted  I  My  dear  sir,  you 
should  not  attempt  it." 

'•  I  am  rather  fatigued  ;  but  there  is  a  great  deal  at  sta're, 
sud  aow  is  the  time  for  me  to   reader    my  services,  if  they 


52  OUR   OWN     HEROES. 

are  worth  nny  thing.  I  am  willing  to  make  the  effort,  if 
you  derive  it." 

''  I  am  convinced  that  no  one  could  accomplish  the  diffi- 
cult task  so  well :  and  it'  you  will  not  think  me  willing  to 
ride  a  free  horse  too  hard,  you  may  lay  me  under  many  ob- 
ligations by  going." 

'•  Let  me  have  your  orders  and  a  fresh  horse;  for  it  is 
liigh  time  I  was  going." 

"  You  write  the  orders,  and  1  will  sign  them." 

Yirtus   then  wrote  a  brief  note  to  Bri;;:-  Gen. , 


containing  the  points  previously  mentioned,  and  the  Gren. 
gave  his  signature.  A  fresh  charger  was  brought  up,  a 
few  refreshments  put  in  his  saddle-bags,  and  off  he  went  in 
a  sweeping  gallop. 

For  a  lew  miles  he  followed  the  road  leading  directly 
from  the  Gap  ;  then,  seeing  that  the  enemy  had  already 
thrown  out  scouting  parties,  took  to  the  mountain-paths. 

He  CMUtiously  wended  his  way  along  the  craggy  peakg, 
overlooking  the  road  to  the  Gap,  now  beginning  to  be  filled 
with  soldiers  clad  in  "  blue  and  gold." 

He  could  see  them  indistinctly  through  the  dim  light  of 
night,  and  when  torch-light  cast  around  a  fitful  glare.  Tak- 
ing note  of  every  thing,  he  rode  as  swiftly  forward  as  pos- 
sible. Just  before  daylight,  he  came  opposite  the  cross  3 
roads,  where  he  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  left  some 
forces.  They  were  soon  passed  ;  and  as  there  was  now  no- 
thing to  fear,  he  quickly  descended  to  the  road,  and  pushed 
forward  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Soon  after  daylight,  he  met 
the  re-inforcements,  and  proceeded  at  once  to  deliver  his 
dispatches  to  Gen; .  J 

While  Gen. was  reading  them,  Virtus  stood  re- 
spectfully by;  and  when  he  had  finished,  said: 

''  The  larger  body  of  the  enemy  are  on  their  way  to  the 
Gap  now.  A  force  not  very  larije,  I  think,  is  at  the  '^ 
yo'^da," 


i 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  5S 

"  How  did  you  pass  them  ?  I  thought  that  the  only 
way." 

"  So  it  is  considered  ;  but  I  found  that  a  horseman  could 
pass  along  the  sides  and  top  of  the  mountain,  and  came  that 
way." 

Hasty  orders  were  issued,  and   the  band  moved  rapidly 

forward.     Gen. determined  to  cut  off,  and,  possibly, 

capture  the  <::uard  at  the  cross  roads.  To  effect  this,  he  di- 
vided his  command  into  three  parts.  Two  of  th^jm,  under 
competent  officers,  he  sent  forward — one  on  either  side  of 
the  enemy.  Thus  he  succeeded  in  completely  surrounding 
them. 

About  half-past  nine  o'clock,  the  boomins:  sound  of  can- 
non from  the  direction  ot  the  Gap  was  heard. 

Very  nearly  at  the  same  time,  Gen. clo.sed  round 

the  force  at  the  ><  roads,  who  prepared  to  make  a  vigorous 
resistance  as  the  forcca  from  behind  came  upon  them  ;  but 
when  they  found  themselves  henjuied  in  on  all  sides,  they 
surrendered  after  a  short  struggle.  Very  few  wore  killed  or 
wounded  on  either  side. 

ISo  soon  as  orders  could  be  given,  and  a  guard  detached 
for  the  prisonors,  Gen. pushed  on  with  his  remain- 
ing force.  The  loud  report  of  connon,  occasionally  heard, 
served  but  to  increase  his  eagerness  to  be  going  forward. 

"  Quick,  men,  let  us  be  moving.  Now  is  the  time  to  full 
upon  their  rear.  Providence  favoring,  we  will  make  clean 
work  of  the  enemy  this  time  ' 

Thus  encouraging  his  men,  ^hcy  moved  off  with  nimble 
step,  forgetting  that  they  had  made  a  forced  march,  and  had 
enjoyed  no  sleep  the  night  before.  A  word  of  cheer  from 
a  superior  officer,  often  tendrf  to  supply,  temporarily,  at 
least,  sleep,  rest,  and  rations. 

Full  five  miles  an  hour  were  measured  by  this  noble  bri- 
gade, hurrying  on  to  the  rescue  of  their  friends  at  the  Gap. 

The  cannon  had  been  booming  for  an  hour  or  more,  when 
volleys  of  musketry  were  distiuctly  heard  ia  the  direotioa 


54  OUtl   OWN    HER0E8. 

of  the  Gap.  This  tended  to  heighten  their  enthusiasm, 
and  accelerate  their  pace.  No  straggler  fell  out  from  thia 
patriotic  band;  thouj^h  many  a  yankee  hireling  was  found 
here  and  there  on  the  road-side,  anxious  to  be  paroled. 

Virtus  all  this  time  had  been  riding  along  with  the  Gen- 
eral and  staif,  saying  very  little  except  when  interrogated. 
The  General,  finding  that  every  thing  was  moving  on  as 
well  as  he  could  desire,  and  having  been  favorably  imprcs-sed 
with  his  intelligent,  dignified  courier,  summoned  Virtus  to 
him,  when  the  following  conversation  ensued  : 

"  Do  you  know  any  thing  of  the  country  over  which  the 
fight  is  now  raging?" 

*'  Yes,  sir;  I  have  passed  the  place  several  times." 
'''Describe  it  the  best  you  can." 

"  The  present  battle-ground  is  two  miles  this  side  of  the 
Gap.  Our  forces  hold  a  position  there  that  cannot  be 
flanked.  The  mountain-sides  on  either  hand  are  almost 
perpendicular.  The  gap  through  which  the  road  runs,  is 
not  more  than  fifty  yards  wide.  Our  artillery  rakes  the 
road  for  nearly  half  a  mile. 

"  The  mountains  on  both  sides  of  the  road  cannot  be  as- 
cended, except  here  and  there,  for  a  distance  of  two  and  a 
half  or  three  miles  this  side  of  our  batteries." 

"Good,  exclaimed  the  General;  and  he  sent  his  aids 
along  the  lines  to  cheer  the  men,  while  he  continued  the 
conversation  with  our  hero. 

"  Are  there  any  roads  leading  off  from  this,  between  us 
and  the  enemy  ?" 

"  But  one,  sir,  and  that  leads  to  the  right,  though  it  is 
traveled  very  little ;  moreover,  we  will  pass  that  road  very 
soon — say  within  half  an  hour.  There  are,  however,  two 
or  three  ravines  leading  off  from  the  road,  through  which 
small  parties  of  the  enemy  might  make  their  escape.  There 
too  the  mountain-sides  are  nut  so  steep  generally  as  to  for- 
bid the  idea  of  a  footman's  escape  over  them." 

The  General,  astonished  at  the  amount  and  accuracy  of 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  55 

the  Courier*s  information,  inquired  of  our  ijero  if  he  was 
an  officer. 

*'  No.  sir;  only  detailed  as  such.  My  place  will  be  in 
the  ranks,  when  this  fight  is  over." 

"You,"  said  the  (jeneral,  "  are  competent  to  make  a 
good  officer  ;  and  as  there  is  a  vacancy  in  my  staflF,  I  should 
be  pleased  to  have  you  as  my  Aid." 

"  Thank  you,  sir^  for  the  implied  compliment.  My  own 
General  has  oflfered  me  a  position  on  his  Staff,  but,  consid- 
ering all  things,  I  prefer  the  private's  place." 

"  Wonderful  I  indeed  I"  exclaimed  the  General.  "You 
are  the  first  man  I  ever  knew  to  decline  office  1  Pray  what 
are  your  reasons  ?" 

"  There  are  many  other  men  more  competent  for  office 
than  myself,  who  neaJ  it  more;  then,  again,  a  private  has 
much  less  responsibility  than  an  officer;  moreover.  I  am 
unwilling  that  any  should  pay  a  higher  price  for  liberty 
than  myself;  and,  finally,  the  private's  position  is  much 
better  calculated  to  produce  tha'^.  meek  and  humble  spirit, 
which,  in  my  judgment,  is  of  more  value  than  all  earthly 
honors." 

"  Well !  well  !"  said  the  General,  "  I  had  never  thought 
of  that  before.  I  will  consider  your  reasons  when  I  have 
more  time." 

It  was  now  no  time  to  di&cuss  great  moral  questions. 
There  was  one  continuous  rocir  of  musketry,  the  sound  of 
which  was  occasionally  swallowed  up  in  the  deeper,  louder 
roar  of  cannon, 

'•  Double  quick  !"  was  the  order.  On,  on  they  went,  at 
a  rapid  pace,  until  the  smoke  from  the  battle  field  became 
visible;  then  "  Halt,"  "  halt,"  went  along  from  regiment  to 
regiment. 

They  had  now  reached  a  place  where  it  was  comparatively 
easy  to  ascend  the  mountain  on  either  side  of  the  road;  so 
the  General  sent  two  rey;iments  to  the  right  and  two  to  the 
left,  designing  to  cut  off  the  possibility  of  escape  either 


56  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

way ;  while  two  regiments  were  left  to  press  the  enemy's 
rear. 

Thus  they  advanced  until  they  came  upon  the  eneir^y's 
reserve,  who,  anticipatinjr  no  danirer  from  that  direction, 
fled  in  wild  confusion  towards  the  front.  To  the  fri<i;htened 
yankee  hosts,  the  mountains  seemed  to  be  alive  with  men  ; 
and,  for  the  first  time,  they  began  to  see  their  danger. 
Coming  within  musket  range,  a  deadly  fire  was  poured  into 
the  invaders  from  the  rear  and  on  both  flanks;  while  there 
seemed  to  be  no  chance  for  their  escape. 

The  firing  was  very  heavy  beyond,  on  the  direction  of 
the  Gap,  so  that  it  was  evident  that  two  battles  were  furi- 
ously raging.  The  enemy  had  appeared  in  considerable 
force  beyond  the  Gr-p,  and  were  trying  to  force  our  posi- 
tion, supposing  that  our  principle  force  was  engaged  on 
this  side.  Line  after  line  of  the  eneujy  was  broken  and 
repulsed.  Deadly  volleys  of  grape  and  canister  were 
poured  into  their  ranks ;  and  the  force  on  this  side,  being 
able  neither  to  advance  nor  retreat,  displayed  the  white 
flag.  Meantime  they  were  doing  all  in  their  power  to  es- 
ca]^  through  a  deep  ravine  on  the  left  of  the  road.  This 
trick  was  soon  discovered,  and  effectually  frustrated  by  the 
two  regiments  that  had  been  sent  to  prevent  such  a  move. 
Probably  not  more  than  1.000  of  the  whole  force  were  so 
fortunate  as  to  make  their  escape;  the  remainder,  about 
5,000,  fell  into  our  hands— 400  killed,  2,100  wounded,  and 
3,500  prisoners.  A  large  amount  of  arms  and  ammunition 
were  captured.  The  enemy,  on  the  other  side  of  the  Gap, 
unable  to  efi"ect  anything  biit  the  slaughter  of  their  troops, 
gave  way,  and  fled  in   confusion. 

Our  loss  did  not  exceed  10  killed  and  50  wounded. 
This  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant  victories  of  the  war. 

Not  content  with  leaving  a  Yankee  Fouth  of  the  moun- 
tain, a  few  regiments  were  sent  out  to  intercept  those  who 
had  escaped.     Nor  was  the  expedition    wholly  fruitless,  for 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  57 

towards  night,  several  hundred  of  the  heartless  invaders 
were  marched  into  camps. 

The  hearts  of  the  pious,  anion^  the  Confederates,  were 
filled  with  gratitude  to  Him  who  giveth  the  victory  to 
whom  hfe  will.  Especially  did  the  General  and  Virtus 
offer  devout  thank>«giving  to  God  for  His  great  goodness- 
When  night  came,  Virtus  was  sent  for,  to  visit  his  Gene- 
ral's headquarters.  (He  had  reported  to  the  General  be- 
fore, but  as  there  was  another  General  present  and  a  num- 
ber of  officials,  he  retired  as  soon  as  possible.)  On  enter- 
ing the  tent.  Virtus  saluted  his  General  and  the  General 
with  wiiom  he  had  travelled  a  good  part  of  the  day. 

*'  Allow  me,  Gen. to  present  you  with  my  Adjutant, 

Capt.  Virtus." 

Virtus  bowed  erracefully,  touching  his  cap.  "I  had  the 
pleasure,"  said  the  other,  "of  traveling  in  company  with 
this  gentleman  to-day;  and  I  assure  you  that  he  is  entitled 
to  our  praise  and  gratitude  for  the  valuable  services  ren- 
dered," 

"  Pardon  me,"  said  our  hero  in  an  earnest  manner,  "  I 
am  not  a  Captain — am  only  a  private  as  I  told  you  to-day. 
Nor  am  I  ashamtd  of  the  name."  * 

"  We  will  adjust  tluit  matter  hereafter,"  said  his  Gene- 
ral ;  "  come  now,  and  tell  us  of  your  adventures." 

Virtus,  averse  to  "  blowing  his  own  horn,"  said  :  "  I 
managed,  through  a  kind  Providence,  to  make  my  way 
by  the  enemy,  reached  the  General  here  as  soon  as  I  could, 
delivered  yout  orders,  or  messages,  and  came  back  with  his 
forces.  I  am  too  sleepy  and  tired  now,  to  enter  into  details. 
Please  excuse  me  unless  you  have  some  specific  orders." 

Saying  this,  he  beijan  to  retire,  when  the  General  said, 
"  Tarry  with  us  to-night — I  will  make  room  for  you,  if  I 
have  to  give  you  my  bed.  I  sent  for  you,  not  for  my  own 
or  the  interest  of  the  crowd,  but  to  make  you  as  comforta- 
ble as  possible.  So  you  will,  I  hope,  spend  the  night  with 
us." 


58  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

"Thank  you   Gfinerai;  but  you  have  company  which  it 

becomes  you  to  entertain;  and,  besides,  I  iiave  comfortable 
lodging  in  my  mess." 

"  1  have  no  company,  sir,  whom  it  becomes  me  to  enter- 
tain more  than  yourself,  however  kindly  I  will  entertain 
the  General  and  his  stafif;  for  to  no  one  more  than  to  your- 
self, is  due  this  brilliant  success  which  has  crowned  our 
arms." 

"  I  have  done  nothing  more  than  my  duty,  v.hich  I  am 
always  ready  to  do,"  was  the  dignified  reply.  "  Now,  if 
you  will  excuse  me,  I  will  go  to  my  tent." 

*'  Certainly,  if  it  is  your  wish;  though  I  would  decidedly 
prefer  that  you  would  stay." 

"  Propriety  as  well  as  comfort  suggests  that  I  should  go. 
Good  evening,  gentlemen."  Saying  which,  he  gracefully 
bowed  himself  out,  and  went  to  his  tent  «'here  gentle  sleep 
Was  waiting  to  bestow  genial  repose  upon  the  wearied  hero. 

Virtus  had  but  left  the  tent,  when  his  General  said  to 
his  guest,  "  This  is  the  most  remarkable  young  man  I  ever 
saw.  All  the  virtues  are  beautifully  blended  in  his  charac- 
ter !  I  never  had  the  pleasure  of  being  acquainted  with 
so  noble  a  character,  or  one  more  intelligent  and  refined. 
Competent  to  be  a  General  of  the  highest  order,  he  persist- 
ently refuses  all  promotion  ;  nor  is  it  in  my  power  to  an- 
swer the  arguments  with   which    he  justifies  his   refusal." 

*'  I  was  much  struck  with  the  young  man,  as  we  rode  on 
togethar  to-day,"  said  the  other;  "and  there  being  a  va- 
cancy on  my  staff,  I  politely  tendered  him  the  position  of 
Aid  de  Camp;  but  he  as  politely  declined  it,  and,  as  you 
say,  bolstered  his  position  with  arguments  which,  at  the 
time,  1  was  unable  to  answer.  He  is  a  religious  youth,  I 
opine  ?" 

*' Yes,  sir;  one  of  the  most  pious  I  ever  knew.  His 
religion  is  not  a  mere  ahsfraciwn,  which  is  too  ol'ten  the 
case  with  professors;  but  it  is  a  living,  active  principle 
with  him.     All  his  words,  principles,  teelings  and  actions, 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  59 

are  adjusted  in  ac(^rdance  with  the  word  of  God.  In  a 
word,  he  lias  the  best  rounded  and  the  best  developed  cha- 
racter I  ever  knew.'' 

*'  Suppose  you  send  for  him  to-morrow  morning,  and  we 
will  ar^ue  the  case  farther  with  him  ;  for  with  me,  as  I  per- 
ceive it  is  with  you,  there  "is  no  obstacle  in  the  way  because 
of  his  inferior  position." 

**  iSo,"  said  the  other  ;  "  it  is  u:ortk  that  makes  the  man— 
pergonal  wor/h,  not  circumstarjj^y  honors.     1  will,  at  your 
[request,  send  for  him,  to-morl^lBKiiorning  ;  but  before  dis- 
missing this  subject,  permit  ui^ro  tell  you  the  part  he  has 
acted  in  the  present  campaign." 

He  then  went  on  to  relate  all  that  he  knew  about  the 
matter,  which  was  listened  to  with  the  deepest  interest  by 
his  distinguished  guest.  Amorg  other  things  allusion  was 
made  to  the  capture  of  the  spy  at  the  railroad,  when  the 
letter  which  our  hero  had  taken  from  the  person  of  the 
py  was  produced  and  read.  From  this  it  was  ascertained 
that  the  enemy  would  not  have  advanced  against  the  Gap, 
but  returned  over  the  mountain,  if  the  spy  had  returned 
to  the  Yankee  G»n)eral ;  for  there  was  a  clause  in  the  let- 
ter which  the  traitor  had  in  possession,  which  read  thus  : 
*  If  there  is  any  prospect  of  reinforoements  being  sent  to 
the  Gap,  report  the  fact  to  me  immediately  ;  but  if  there  is 
ao  danger,  as  I  presume  there  is  none,  you  can  report  to 
me  at  your  leisure." 

After  expressing  their  high  appreciation  of  our  heroe's 
labors,  and  admiration  of  his  characier,  the  conversation 
urned  on  other  matters,  and  finally  they  retired  for  the 
Qight. 

Much   refreshed  with  sleep,  they   arose  early  the  next 

Horning.     Breakfast  ready,   Gen.  B sent  for  Virtus, 

ivho  appeared  in  a  moment,  and  after  the  usual  salutations, ' 
fee;,  was  invited  to  take  a  seat  at  the  table. 

'  ThaJik    you,  General,"  said    he;  *' my    own   breakfast 


60  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

will  be  ready  soon,  and  ray  mess  will  expect  me.     Excuse 
me;  I  must  return." 

''  It  can  make  no   differenco  with  your    mess  if  you  cat 
with  us;  besides,  I  will  send    them  word    where  you  are. 
We  wish  you  to  be  with  us  for  the  pleasure   of  your    com-* 
pany."  ■^'^'>bv 

^' Thank  you;  T  will  grant  the  request,  though  in  doing 
so,  I  do  not  wish  it  to  be  understood  that  I  think  it  an 
honor  to  be  called  from  my  own  messmates." 

"  We  understand  that  perfectly,"  replied  the  General. 

When  all  were  seated  at  the  table,  the  visiting  General, 
turning  to  Virtus,  said,  "  I  think  I  am  able  to  convince 
you  that  you  are  in  error  with  regard  to  your  objections  to 
becoming  an  officer." 

"Very  well,  sr;  if  you  can,  I  will  readily  yield  my 
position,  and  accept  office  when  it  is  tendered;  for  who  is 
nfoolhMt  him  who  acts  contrary  to  reason  T' 

"  I  would  hear  your  objections  again,"  said  the  General, 
"  and  we  will  consider  them  one  at  a  time."  (, 

'*  xMy  first  objection  is,  That  privates  make  the  greatest 
sacrifice  for  liberty,  and  are,  therefore,  entitled  to  the 
greatest  honor."  - 

"  But  do  they  receive  it  ?"  inquired  the  General. 

"This  question  has  nothing  to  do  with  my  proposition.- 
One  proposition  at  a  time,  if  you  please." 

The  General  perceiving  the  force  of  the  objection,  made 
the  following  inquiry :  "  Was  any  private  in  General 
Washington's  army,  deserving  of  more  honor  than  the; 
General  himself."  ,| 

"  As  to  that  1  cannot  tell,  sir,  since  I  wos  never  fortu- 
nate enough  to  see  either  the  '  Father  of  his  country/  or 
any  of  the  veterans  whom  he  had  the  honor  to  lead." 

"  Vt'lio  is  to  decide  the  amount  of  honor  due  a  private  or 
an  officer  ?  and  who  is  to  award  it  ?  If  the  people  are  to 
be  the  judges,  then  I  am  sure  .that  officers  will  be  deemed 
worthy  of  most  honor ;  and  it  you  do  not  submit  the  mat- 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  61 

ter  to  the  judgment  of  the  people,  to  whom  will  you  sub- 
mit it  ?" 

"To  justice,  the  goddess  of  liberty,  and  to  those  whose 
views  are  just," 

'•  Bu:  'justice  and  the  goddess  of  liberty  '  are  mere  ab- 
stractions, and  are  cupable  of  giving  no  decisions  and 
awardin;:;  no  honors;  and  the  'just'  to  whom  you  refer  arc 
too  far  in  the  minority  to  be  heard." 

*'  You  do  not  maintain  that  there  is  no  standard  o\:'  Justice 
which  tests  tlie  merits  of  every  profession  or  occupation  of 
man  ?  And  arc  you  prepared  to  say  that  there  is  no  prin- 
ciple of  patriotism,  which  ascribes  the  greatest  horjors  to 
him  who  sacrifices  most  for  his  country'/  Surely  you  will 
not  teach  such  doctrines.  There  would  be  such  great  prin- 
ciples in  existence  even  though  the  u-Jiolc  human  iamily 
were  so  corrupt  as  not  to  sej  them.  And  as  to  the  fewness 
of  those  who  do  do  perceive  them,  and  whose  opinions  are 
so  far  just.  1  would  merely  say,  the  Ju<t  hive  ever  .<ince  the 
fall  of  Adam,  been  in  the  '  minority.*  According  to  your 
principle,  a  man  should  always  look  to  see  where  the  ma- 
jority stands,  before  he  assume-  his  position  ;  and  this,  car- 
ried to  an  extreme,  would,  I  have  no  doubt,  take  him  to 
perdition." 

"  Much  of  what  you  say  is  true  ;  yet  it  remains  to  be 
Fhown  that  a  man  should  always  shape  his  cour.-se  in  accord- 
ance with  mere  abstractions." 

"  You  will  please  state  what  part  of  what  I  have  said, 
is  not  true." 

The  General  hesitated. 

"  Now,  while  you  are  making  up  your  mind  on  this  sub- 
ject, I  will  state,  as  a  universal  axiom,  that  it  is  always 
right  to  be  governed  by  principles  of  right,  whether  many, 
few,  or  none  (besides  the  actor)  perceive  those  principles." 

'•  You  have  your  notions  about  this;  but  let  us  have  an- 
other reason." 

*'  I  have  given  vou  on€  rea-^on,  and  you  have  Dot  be«n 


62  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

abl'3  to  answer  in  ;  yet,  r\s  you  request  it,  T  will  give  yoa 
an  ither.  It  is  thi.s  :  T lie  position  of  a  private  tench  to  hu- 
miliation, while  that  of  an  ofjirxr  tends  to  self-exaltation. 
Here  the  ari^-uraent  is  two-fold,  and  both  in  favor  of  the 
private's  position." 

"  Does  not  an  humble  position  tend  to  degrade  a  man,  and 
an  exalted  one  elevate  V 

"The  private's  position,  I  said  tends  to  humble  a  man  ; 
you  will  please  contLie  yourself  to  the  arguiiiant." 

The  rieneral  was  evidently  at  a  loss  to  answer  his  argu- 
ment; and  General    B generously  came    up,  at   this 

juncture,  to  reinforce  him;  hoping  to  defeat  Virtus  by  a 
"  flank  movenient/'  So  he  introduced  a  new  argument 
altogetlier. 

"  I  know,"  said  he,  "  that  you  believe  in  the  direction 
of  Providence.  Now  has  not  Providence  clearly  opened 
up  before  you  the  way  to  office  ?  May  you  not  be  acting 
sinfully  in  declining  office  thus  providentially  offered  you  V 

"  A  masked  battery  1"  exclaimed  Virtus  ;  "  yet  I  don't 
think  it  will  cause  me  to  'change  my  base.'  But  seriously. 
I  don't  think  that  Providence  ever  opens  up  the  way  before 
a  man,  until  all  the  solul  objections  to  traveling  that  road, 
have  been  removed.  It  might  be  in  my  power  to  appro- 
priate millions  of  gold  belonging  to  another;  yet^while  the 
commandment,  '  Thou  shalt  not«teal,'  looks  me  in  the  face, 
I  will  not  be  justified  in  stejiling  it.  While  Providence 
may,  and  I  think  does  have  some  general  superintendence 
over  every^thing — good  and  evil — that  happens,  I  do  not 
understand  tiiat  He  approves  them  all.  The  Captain  of  a 
vessel  dare  not  follow  in  the  direction  of  every  breeze." 

Finding  that  there  was  no  chance  for  them  to  di:*suade 
him,  the  visiting  general  said,  "  Well,  my  dear  sir,  if  you 
wili  not  atttach  yourself  to  my  staff,  I  will  be  delighted  to 
see  you  at  my  head-(iuarrers  at  any  time." 

"  Thank  you,  sir  ;  when  it  is  compatable  with  my  duty, 
It  will  afford  me  pleasure  to  call  on  you ,  and  ii  you  enter* 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  63 

tairud  the  .sinie  notion?;  of  merit  that  1  do,  T  would  invite 
you  ro  wy  quirffr^^ ;  but  I  would  not  offend  you  "oy  uiaking 
any  t»a<li  invitation.*' 

"  No  LiiF.'ncp,  sir,  I  as.sure  you." 

"Then  I  invite  you  to  oine.'' 

"  \S  ifh  i:re;;t  pleasure,  whenever  I  visit  this  briirndc." 

"  How  ni'blei  youth  I"  thought  thegenenils  Hi?  moral 
principles,  they  both  felt,  were  purer  than  "gold  seven 
times  refined."' 

The  conversation  seemed  likely  to  end  at  this  point, 
when  Virtue,  wishinu  to  '*  drive  a  nail  in  a  sure  pliice," 
said,  "  I  h(»pe,  gentlemen,  ycu  will  parion  me  for  alluding 
to  one  other  subject  connected  with  official  position  in  the 
army  " 

'•  Certainly,"  replied  both  the  generals,  "  we  will  be  glad 
to  hear  from  you." 

'*  Well,  then,"  said  he,  "  it  is  this  :  Officers  speak  much 
of  the  houor  attached  to  office,  but  rarely  refer  to  the  re- 
spo/isioilities  which  it  imposes,  if  indeed  they  ever  think' of 
them. 

"  As  I  do  not  wish  to  deal  in  abstractions,  I  will,  with 
your  permission,  allude  t)  some  of  g our  respoimbilitie&. 
Then  — 

1.  You  are  rerponsible,  largely,  for  the  efficiency  of  your 
men — their  health,  drei's,  ilriU,  &c. 

2.  You  are  responsible,  to  a  great  extent,  for  their  moral 
deportment,  as  avcU  as  their  gentlemanly  bearing. 

8.  Iheir  religious  interests,  also,  arc  committed,"  in  a 
fearful  sense,  to  your  care. 

In  a  word,  their  efficiency  as  soldiers,  their  intellectual, 
moral,  and  religious  interests — their  interests  for  time  and 
eternity  are  given,  in  a  great  degree,  \u^o  your  hands. 

To  be  able  to  mee*.  these  rc^pom^ihilitics,  officers  should 
be  men — men  of  sterling  moral  worth,  of  great  energy,  of 
decision,  and  intellect,  and,  above  all,  of  eminent  piety. 
Looking  to  all  these  requisitions  and  grave  responsibilities, 


64  OUR  OWN  heroes; 

every  officer  should,  in  the  language  of  Inspiration,  inquire, 
"  Who  is  sujficient/or  these  things  f' 

*'  I  beij  you,  gentlemen,  to  think  of  your  responsibilities 
as  well  as  your  honors." 

The  generals  both  listened  with  the  profoundest  respect 
to  these  solemn  truths,  and  Gen.  B — ,  especially,  showed 
signs  of  trouble  within — he  felt  the  force  of  the  admoni- 
tian.  The  thought  flashed  across  his  mind,  "  Through  my 
neglect  of  duty,  some  young  man's  morals,  and  yjossibiy 
his  soul,  may  be  lost.  In  that  event,  all  earthly  honors  that 
I  might  win,  would  be  infinitely  contemptible,  and  worse 
than  nothing." 

The  other  officer,  while  a  man  of  moral  character,  was 
not  a  professor  of  religion  ;  and,  though  he  admitted  the 
truth  of  most  that  our  hero  had  said,  he  objected  to  one 
point, — Said  he,  "  I  am  no  professor  of  religion,  and  I  don't 
think  that  I  am  responsible  for  the  religious  welfare  of  my 
men,  as  if  I  were  a  Christian." 

>'  Whose  fault  is  it.  General,  that  you  are  7wt  a  Chris- 
tian ?" 

"  My  own,  I  suppose,"  (for  his  own  conscience  would  not 
let  him  give  a  difl'erent  answer), 

"  If  it  is  your  fault,  then,  that  you  are  not  a  Christian  ; 
and  if,  as  you  virtually  admit,  you  ought  to  be  a  Christian, 
it  is  very  plain  that  you  are  to  blame  for  not  doing  those 
things  which  a  Christian  ought  to  do." 

*<  I  see  it,"  said  he,  "  and  will  tri/  to  meet  the  issue,  by 
becoming  a  Christian  as  soon  as  possible." 

This  he  said,  not  so  much  from  a  feeling  sense  of  his  own 
need  of  salvation,  as  that  he  might  be  able  to  discharge  his 
duty  to  others  ;  for  he  clearly  saw  that  he  could  not  meet 
his'moral  and  religious  obligations  to  his  men  without  true 
and  undefiled  religion. 

"  I  hope,"  said  our  Christian  hero,/'  that  you  wili  be  suc- 
cessful in  your  efforts.  But  do  you,  General, /ee^  the  need 
of  personal  salvation  ?" 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  65 

*'  I  feel,  sir,  that  I  cannot  discharge  my  duty  without 
being  a  Christian." 

"  Voui-  duty  to  whom  /" 

*'  To  the  soldiers  under  my  command." 

"*'  Your  Jir&t  duty  ib  to  God.  You  must  fee'  your  need 
of  personal  salvation — forgiveness  through  the  merits  of 
Christ,  or  you  cannot  become  a  true  Christian.  You  must 
be  more  cuncerued  to  propitiate  the  favor  of  Him  Whose 
authority  you  have,  up  to  this  tiiue,  despised,  than  to  do  any 
thing  else  "' 

The  General  evidently  did  not  fpcl  that  load  of  guilt 
which  all  must  feel,  before  they  are  willing  to  be  saved  by 
Christ.  "  1  will  study  the  matter,  and  do  the  best  I  can," 
was  his  reply  to  what  Virtus  had  said. 

The  conversation  was  here  interrupted,  and  Virtus  re- 
i/urned  to  his  tent.  Gen.  B —  f'ilt  more  like  resigning  his 
position  than  ever  before  ;  for  a  sense  of  his  responsibility 
was  now  sj  much  impressed  upon  him,  that  he  could  hardly 
consent  to  remain  lunger  in  his  position.  While  musing 
over  the  subject,  the  following  thoughts  lodged  in  his  mind  : 
*' I  am,  in  an  important  sense,  responsible  for  the  dreas^ 
cleanliacss^  healtit,  miUtari/  ejjicicurj/^  maiuicrs,  morals,  and 
even  the  eternal  welfare  of  my  men  !  If,  through  ncjli- 
f/ence,  tcil/'ull  v/norance,  had  example^  or  undue  tokrationy 
my  men  should  suffer  in  their  physical^  mental,  moral,  or 
religious  interests;  the  loss  will  be  irreparable!  To  be 
the  means  of  ruining  the  morals,  manners,  and  especially 
the  souls  of  those  who  are  largely  subject  to  my  control, 
would  eclipse  all  my  military  glory,  and  would  be  a  disaster 
of  such  magnitude  as  that,  were  all  the  honors  of  the  world 
to  be  heaped  upon  my  head,  they  would  appear  as  naught 
and  vanity 

'*  I  will  do  the  best  I  can  while  I  remain  an  officer,"  was 
his  firm  resolve  j  "  and  I  pray  that  God  may  give  me  grace 
to  perform  my  whole  duty." 

Would  that  every  officer  could  feel  just  as  he  felU    Then 
5 


66  OUR   OWN*    HEKOES. 

would  we  see  less  of  hoUow^  swell-headechiess  ;  tlben  would 
we  see  officers  competent  to  lead  their  men,  not  only 
to  victory,  but  into  the  paths  of  moral  refinement;  then 
the  army,  instead  of  being  a  bedlam,  (as  is  often  the  ease,) 
would  be  a  place  of  refinement,  and  the  uneducated  masses 
would  be  elevated  and  immeasurably  improved  by  their 
connection  with  the  army;  while  the  wealthy,  brought  to 
feel  some  of  the  hardships  of  life,  would  have  more  correct 
notions  of  what  a  man  ought  to  be,  and  an  abiding,  sym- 
pathy for  the  poor.  Then  when  peace  shall  spread  her 
balmy  wings  over  our  beloved  Confederacy,  our  soldiers 
who  survive  the  bloody  struggle  Tor  inc'ependence,  would 
return  to  their  horae«,  not  vagabonds,  blackguards,  and 
blasphemers,  but  gentlcmen\ 


OUR    UWS     HEROES.  b^ 


CHAPTER  III. 


The  enemy  bein^:  overcome,  there  was  no   necessity  for 

Gen. and  his  brigade  to  remain  longer  at  the  Gap. 

Therefore,  after  resting  and  enjoying  tlie  pure  mountain 
air  a  few  days,  they  returned  to  their  old  station  on  the 
railroad,  that  they  might  be  ready  to  re-inforce  where  they 
were  most  needed.  Their  late  experience  had  made  them 
happy  and  hopeful.  One  success  buoyed  them  up  so  they 
would  be  desirous  of  others,  and  would  fight  for  them. 

"  How  much  confidence  those  men    at  the  Gap  have  in 

their  officers,"  remarked  one  of  the  Colonels  to  Gen. , 

while  on  their  way  back  to  the  railroad. 

''  Yes;  and  how  perfectly. do  both  men  and  officers  con- 
duet  themselves.  I  was  charmed  with  Gen.  B — 's  brigade, 
and  could  but  hope  that  mine,  in  which  I  have  prided  my- 
self, would  one  day  equal  it,"  replied  the  General. 

"  Every  thing,"  said  the  Colonel,  "  went  on  as  steadily 
and  smoothly  as  clock-work.  I  do  wonder  how  so  many 
steady  men  happen  to  get  together." 

"  Quite  likely,  they  were  no  better,  as  a  whole,  at  first, 
than  many  other  brigades-  Tliey  have  been  made  what 
they  afe.  Gen.  B —  is  no  ordinary  man.  He  understands 
how  to  fill  his  position." 

"  I  fully  concur  with  you  there.  His  very  appearance 
bears  testimony  to  tkit,"  replied  the  Colonel. 

And  they  were  right  in  this  Gen.  B  —  had,  from  his  first 
accession  to  office,  deported  himself  in  such  a  way  us  to 
gain  the  love  and  confidence  of  the  good  and  wise,  and  to 


-^ 


68  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

inspire  with  fear  those  who  were  not  disposed  to  obey  army 
reguhitions.  As  a  colonel,  he  had  strictly  enforced  the 
army  regulations.  Morality  was  enjoined  on  all,  and  reli- 
gion, outwardly,  at  least,  observed.  Himself  a  devout 
Christian,  he  set  a  good  example  to  those  who  were  con- 
nected with  him,  and  ever  gave  assistance  to  whatever 
would  tend  to  increase  piety  in  his  regiment. 

When  called  to  fill  a  higher  and  more  responsible  office, 
he  lost  none  of  his  rehgious  zeal,  but  rather  strove  to  be 
more  pious,  that  his  increased  influence  might  only  be  good. 

The  Sabbath  he  set  apart  as  a  day  of  prayer  and  wor- 
ship. No  reviews  or  drills  Wiire  permitted,  that  he  could 
possibly  prevent.  The  Army  Regulations  sustained  him 
in  this;  and  if  they  had  not,  he  would  have  preferred  fol- 
lowing the  laws  of  a  living  God  tp  those  of  men  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins.  He  conversed  often  and  freely  with 
the  Chaplain  about  the  best  means  of  spreading  religion 
amony:  the  men,  and  assisted  him  in  his  cood  work. 

Seeing  his  goodness,  the  men  could  but  admire  and  love 
him,  and  consequently  were  delighted  to  please  him  by  their 
obedient,  and  gentlemanly  deportment. 

The  good  Chaplain  would  be  mistreated  were  we  not  to 
stat€  that  he  faithl'ully  attended  to  his  duties.  Like  a  min- 
istering spirit,  he  went  from  tent  to  tent — even  from  man 
to  man — pressing  upon  all  their  religious  duty. 

In  such  a  brigade,  of  course  stealing,  or  '•  pressing"  with- 
out proper  authority,  was  not  allowed.  It'  necessity  de- 
manded the  impressment  of  a  man's  goods,  full  compensa- 
tion was  made  him.  A  mere  pittance  was  desirable  to 
stolen  dainties. 

Citizens  gladly  awarded  the  good  general  and  his  men 
the   meed  of  honesty ;  nor  were   they  slow    to  'show  their 
-  appreciation  of  such  defenders.  ^ 

Both  privates  and  the  lover  officers  vied  with  each  other 
in  paying  that  strict  regard  to  the  military  rules,  that  ren- 
dered the  duty  of  those  higher  in  office  comparatively  easy. 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  69 

They  were  proud  of  their  brigade,  and  strove  to  act  in 
such  a  way  as  that  others  might  imitate  them  advanta- 
geously. 

Oar  hero-private,  Virtus,  was  not  the  only  one  who  was 
brave,  hone.st,  upright;  but  he,  perhaps,  was  better  than 
the  majority,  in  that  his  intellect  and  heart  had  be^n  uni- 
formly cultivated.  Gen.  13 —  acknowledged  him  his  own 
equal,  and,  as  has  been  seen,  was  glad  to  introduce  him  to 
his  brother  officers,  llis  arguments  for  remaining  a  pri- 
vate could  not  be  answered.  Though  averse  to  assuming 
the  responsibility  of  an  officer  himself,  he  delighted  to  see 
good  and  worthy  men  promoted. 

A  few  days   after   the  departure  of  Gen.  and  his 

brigade,  Gen.  13 —  summoned  Virrus  to  him.  After  the 
customary  salutations,  the  general  said  : 

"  I  sent  for  you,  to  ask  if  you  knew  any  good  man  capa- 
able  of  filling  the  position  I  have  so  urged  upon  you.  Hav- 
ing set  my  heart  upon  having  you,  I  find  it  difficult  to  se- 
lect another." 

"  I  can  but  continue  thanks  for  your  kindness  in  my  be- 
half, for  such,  I  am  sure,  you  intend;'  began  Virtus.  But 
the  general  interrupted  him,  to  say  ; 

''I  must  confess,  my  friend,  that  I  am  somewhat  selfish 
too.  Your  good  I  certainly  desire,  but  the  greater  benefit 
would  result  to  myself  from  your  acceptance  of  this  office." 

"  That  is  certainly  flattering  to  my  vanity  ;  but  you  will 
not  feel  the  loss  of  my  services,  if  those  of  a  competent  man 
he  secured.  Such  a  man,  I  think,  I  can  name ;"  was  the 
reply  of  Virtus. 

"  Who  is  he  ?  and  where  to  be  found  ?  I  am  ready  to 
confer  the  office  on  him  from  your  rocommendation." 

"  I  would  not  have  you  do  so  merely  on  account  of  my 
recommendation.  You  ought  to  feel  fully  satisfied  of  his 
competency  to  fill  office,  first," 

"•Of  that  lam  satisfied,  if  you  judge  him  so.  But  who 
is  he  ?"  again,  enquired  the  general. 


70  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

"It  is  Inman,  of  Company  C;  Col.  H-;-'s  Regiment." 

"  Inman  ;  I  cannot  recollect  him.  Why  do  you  recom- 
mend him  ?" 

"  Because  he  is  worthy  ;"  was  the  reply. 

*'  Particularize,  if  you  please." 

*' Then,  1st.  He  is  a  man  of  cultivated  intellect;  2d. 
His  military  genius  is  good;  3d,  He  is  brave.  He  can 
face  the  enemy,  and  has  also  great  moral  courage;  4th. 
He  is  a  poor  man.  His  family  is  barley  able  to  subsist  on 
what  his  wife  can  earn.  Office  would  enable  him  to  do 
something  for  them ;  5th.  He  is  a  pious  man — a  man  of 
prayer." 

Virtus  would  have  given  other  reasons,  but  the  above 
"were  considered  quite  sufficient  by  the  General,  who  begged 
that  he  would  at  once  introduce  his  friend.  To  this  Virtus 
replied  : 

**  I  can  hardly  consider  him  a  friend  yet;  though  I  would 
like  to.     I  have  only  conversed  with  him  a  few  times." 

"  How  then  do  you  know  him  to  be  fit  for  the  office  for 
which  you  recommend  him  ?"  inquired  the  general 

**  I  have  had  frequent  opportunities  of  observing  him, 
and  have  confidence  in  what  our  mutual  friends  testify  in 
regard  to  him." 

''  But  why  not  take  this  opportunity  of  helping  so  me 
one  of  your  own  friends  to  office  ?  You  surely  have  friends 
who  would  gladly  accept,"  said  the  general,  for  the  sake,  it 
would  seem,  of  detaining  our  hero. 

"  True  ;  perhaps  many  of  them  would  be  glad  of  promo- 
tion, but  I  know  of  none  who  would  fill  the  position  more 
creditably  than  he  of  whom  I  spoke.  Besides,  I  am  not 
one  to  have  my  friendship  sought,  because  I  may  be  able 
to  benefit  in  such  ways.  I  hope  my  reasons  for  recommend- 
ing Inman  were  good." 

"  Yes,  and  perfectly  satisfactory  ;  and  now  you  may  bring 
in  my  new  Aid.     I  am  anxious  to  form  his  acquaintance." 

To  the  surprise  and  gratification  of  all,  the  new  Aid  hap- 


OUR    OWxN    HEROES.  71 

pened  to  be  one  whoia  Gen.  B —  had  noticed  and  compli- 
mented in  the  kite  battle.  Thus  the  office  was  at  last  satis- 
factorily dispuscd  of. 

Tiie  remainder  of  the  short  stay — for  it  proved  short — 
was  very  pleasantly  spent. 

The  occasional  capture  of  a  bushwhacker  was  all  of  news 
they  had.  Hence  there  was  ample  time  to  explore  the 
mountain  caves,  and  notice  the  freaks  of  nature  so  bounti- 
fully lavished  around  uKe  spot. 

But  these  quiet,  pleasant  occupations  were  rudely  broken 
in  upon.  Ever  faithful  to  his  military  duties,  General  B — 
soon  discovered  the  determination  of  the  enemy  to  make  a 
flank  movement.  A  large  body  of  yankces  were  making 
their  way  through  a  more  eastern  gap,  with  the  evident  in- 
tention of  cutting  off  all  supplies,  and  compelling  the  sur- 
render of  the  Gap 

Gen.  B —  communicated  with  bis  superior  officers,  advis- 
ing them  of  his  dangerous  position.  The  way  to  the  rail- 
road was  now  beset  with  many  dangers,  and  more  than  once 
Virtus  was  detailed  on  the  yet  untilled  stafl",  to  perform  this 
hazfudous  trip. 

Though  several  times  followed  by  the  mountain  robbers, 
he  managed  to  elude  them.  One  visit  to  their  encampment 
had  been  sufficient  to  satisfy  him,  it  would  seem,  from  the 
quick  alertness  which  never  forsook  him,  while  away  from 
his  command. 

After  much  consulting  and  putting  together  *^  wise 
heads,"  it  was  decided  advisable  for  the  Gap  to  be  evacu- 
ated. This  our  noble  brigade  were  much  averse  to  doing. 
Yet,  even  this,  was  preferable  to  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy. 

Every  thing  that  could  be  removed  was  hastily  put  under 
way  ;  while  the  remainder  was  as  nearly  as  possible  de- 
stroyed. Some  of  the  larger  guns  were  nece-sarily  left  be- 
hind, but  in  such  a  condition  that  they  would  require  con- 
siderable repairing  before  they  would  work. 


72  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

Less  joyfully,  because  they  were  retreating,  than  when 
they  went' up  to  the  Gap,  did  the  men  leave  it.  Their  jests 
and  mirth  were  laid  aside,  for  the  time,  and  something 
of  sadness  took  their  place.  But  once  more  aboard  the 
cars,  something  of  the  old  spirit  returned  ;  and  hoping  to 
be  the  victors  yet.  they  began  to  notice  the  country  through 
which  they  were  parsing. 

"  This  place  looks  very  much  like  an  old  friend/'  said 
one  to  Virtus,  as  they  neared  a  village. 

Virtus  blushed,  stammered  forth  a  reply,  and  was  turn- 
ing away  when  the  other  exclaimed  :  '•  Oh,  I  remember 
now.  This  is  where  that  beautiful  young  lady  gave  us 
such  delicious  cakes.  Don't  you  remember,  Virtus?  I 
am  going  to  look  out  and  see  if  she  is  here  to-day  ;"  say- 
ing which,  he  hastened  away  without  noticing  Virtus' 
deepening  blushes,  or  waiting  for  an  answer  to  his  query. 

Our  hero  was  glad  to  be  relieved  of  his  friend's  compa- 
ny just  then.  Truth  is,  he  had  recognized  the  station,  and 
was  looking  about  him  for  a  convenient  place  of  observa- 
tion. Just  as  he  had  secured  a  scat  which  commanded  a 
view  of  the  station,  he  was  summoned  to  the  Greneral's  car, 
which  was  in  the  rear.  Something  akin  to  vexation 
troubled  him  when  he  heard  the  summons,  for  he  would 
probj^bly  lose  the  privilege  of  looking  out.  Yet  he  had 
too  high  a  regard  for  his  General  to  delay  obedience,  so 
arose  and  went  at  once  to  him.  As  he  had  anticipated,  he 
had  little  opportunity  of  outward  observation  ;  but  he  got 
one  glance  at  the  beautiful  mansion,  and  thought  he  saw 
a  lady  at  one  of  the  windows,  but  as  the  conversation  was 
directed  to  him  at  the  time,  he  could  not  console  himself 
with  another  glance.  After  talking  over  some  of  his  plans, 
and  hearing  the  suggestions  of  his  Aids,  and  of  Virtus, 
Gen.  B suddenly  exclaimed  : 

"  As  I  live,  here  is  our  stopping  place.  I  did  not  know 
tiuic  was  passing  so  rapidly." 

At  this  announcement  the  heart  of  Virtus  certainly  beat 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  73 

more  rapidly  than  it  was  wont  to.  "  Perhaps,"  thought 
h6,  '*  I  may  see  her — niciy   know   her  yet.     It  cannot  be 

more  than  ten   miles  to  .     I  am  very  glad   we  are  to 

stop  here  at  any  rate.      Who  knows  what  may  happen." 

Thus  musing,  he  mingled  with  the  busy  throng  who 
were  hunting  blankets,  knapsacks,  &c.,  preparatory  to  leav- 
ing the  cars. 

Their  encampment  was  in  a  beautiful  wood  near  the 
rail  road.  A  «niall  river  flowed  sluggishly  along  on  one 
side,  while  on  the  other  beautifully  cultivated  fields 
stretched  away. 

They  had  been  here  only  a  few  days,  when  it  was  dis- 
covered that  the  enemy  were  making  great  efforts  to  reach 
the  railroad  at  that  j.oint.  Their  object  could,- of  course, 
only  be  conjectured.  The  burning  of  the  bridge  over  the 
river  might  have  been  their  sole  object — since  that  would 
tend  greatly  to  interrupt  our  movements.  But  some 
thought  that  the  devastation  of  all  thcsurrounding  country 
would  result,  if  once  an  entrance  was  effected. 

Gen.  B used  every  precaution  in   his  power  to  make 

his  position  secure.  Pickets  were  kept  out  constantly  and 
urged  to  be  very  vigilant.  Only  a  few  days  elapsed  before 
Virtus  was  sent  out  on  the  road  leading  northward.  He 
was  sauntering  leisurely  along,  about  two  miles  from  camp, 
when  he  s-:w  approaching,  a  lady  accompanied  by  two  ser- 
vants. 

As  she  came  nearer,  he  perceived  that  it  was  she  who, 
though  unknown,  had  awakened  emotions  which,  if  not 
those  of  love,  he  could  not  account  for. 

"Now,"  thought  he,,"  if  I  only  had  some  excuse  for 
detaining  her,  how  fortunate  would  be  my  lot.  But  unless 
she  stops  of  her  own  accord,  I  do  not  see  any  way  in  which 
I  could  gallantly  speak  to  her."  Thus  he  mused  as  she 
rode  up  and  much  to  his  gratification  drew  in  her  reins 
near  him.  A  rosy  blush  suffused  her  fair  cheek  when  she 
looked  upon   Virtus ;  and  be,  seeing  that  she  recognized 


1i.  OtrR   OWN    HEKOES. 

him   had  scarcely  enough   composure  left  to  make  her  a 
graceful  bow. 

**  Will  you  direct  me  to  Gen.    B -'s   head-quurters  ?" 

was  the  request  of  the  fair  lady ;  and    never,   at  least   so 
thought  Virtus,  did  mortal  possess  so  sweet  a  voice. 

"  With  pleasure,  and  moreover,  I  would  gladly  conduct 
you  hither,  were  I  permitted  to  leave  my  post ;''  he  replied 
in  a  most  courteous  voice. 

"  Thank  you.  I  see  you  are  a  picket,  and  know  what  is 
required  of  you.  If  my  horse  will  only  remain  quiet,  I 
shall  get  along  well  enough  with  directions." 

*•  He  does  look  too  gay  for  a  lady.  Allow  me  to  fix  this 
rein,"  said  he,  unfastening  two  buckles  while  fastening  one. 
Then  they  had  to  be  fastened,  and  he  persisted  in  doing  it, 
though  the  poHte  servant  stood  by  ready  to  perform  the 
task. 

"  I  have  not  often  had  the  courage  to  mount  him,  but 
father  was  anxious  for  us  all  to  leave  home  to  day,  and  the 
carriage  would  not  conveniently  hold  us  all,  so  I  ventured 
to  come  on  before,"  said  she. 

"  Are  yoii  leaving  on  account  of  the  expected  invasion  ?" 
respectfully  inquired  our  hero. 

"  Yes.  Father  could  not  safely  remain  himself,  and  will 
not  permit  any  of  the  family  to  be  left  behind.  We  expect 
to  have  everything  destroyed,  but  our  greatest  regret  is  in 
leaving  the  home  and  grave  of  dear,  dead  mamma."  A 
tear  flashed  in  the  beautiful  eye  at  these  sad  remembrances. 
Virtus  expressed  his  sympathy,  and  seeing  tliat  he  could 
no  longer  dally  over  the  bridle,  courteously  asked  one  other 
question,  viz  -  ''  How  far  do  you  intend  going  ?" 

How  his  heart  beat  in  the  moment  that  he  awaited  the 
answer.  If  she  should  be  going  any  great  distance,  who 
could  tell  if  they  wculd  ever  meet  again  ? 

The  blush  deepened  on  her  cheek  as  she  rcDlied  :  "  Only 
a  few  miles  south,  to  an  uncle's.  But  you  have  not  given 
me  directions  to  the  General's  head-quaaters  yet/' 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  75 

"With  a  glow  of  the  cheek  as  deep  as  her  own,  he 
directed  her  in  a  few  words.  Then  while  each  crimsoned 
dee{>er,  they  exchanged  bows  and  ''  iiood  mornings,"  and 
she  passed  on  her  way.  The  picket  leaned  upon  his  gun 
very  unlike  a  vigilant  soldier,  while  the  lady's  form  was 
distinguishable  among  the  trees.  Nor  need  he  be  censured, 
if  for  a  time,  he  thought  more  of  the  scene  through  which 
he  had  just  pa.ssed,  than  or'  his  duty  as  a  soldier.  He  con- 
sidered it  one  point. gained  to  have  heard  her  speak  ;  an- 
other to  know  that  ihe  would  not  be  many  miles  distant. 
He  hardly  dared,  yet  could  but  hope  that  the  way  for  a 
more  permanent  acquaintance  might  soon  be  openened  ; 
but  how,  he  would  not  even  conjecture. 

When,  soon  after,  the  sound  of  an  approaching  carriage 
was  heaird,  he  was  not  startled,  or  surprised,  for  he  was  ex- 
pecting it. 

"  Now,"  said  he,  ^'  I  will  see  the  family  of  that  charm- 
ing young  lady,  and  it  may  be,  learn  her  name." 

The  carriage  soon  came  up,  and  the  picket  was  not  in 
the  least  chagrined  at  seeing  it  stop.  A  glance  showed  the 
occupants  through  the  open  window.  They  were  an  old 
lady  of  perhaps  eighty  years,  a  saucy  school  girl,  and  two 
sprightly  children — a  boy  and  girl — of  the  ages  of  seven 
and  five  years,  respectively. 

"Her  grannmother,  sisters  and  brother,"  interpreted  the 
beholder  to  himself  The  old  lady  looked  out,  and  after 
bidding  him  "  good  morning,"  said  : 

"  Has  a  young  lady  passed  here  this  morning?" 

"  Be  a  little  more  definite,  if  you  please.  Several  ladies 
have  passed,  and  were  I  to  answer  affirmatively,  I  might 
not  satisfy  you;"  said  Virtus  "  catching  at  a  straw,"  to 
hear  the  name  of  the  fair  unknown.  The  youngest  child 
here  used  her  privilege  of  being  "  pet,"  and  answered  before 
her  grandmother : 

"  It  is  Auntie .     Don't  you  know  her  ?     Sheisgood 

and  sweet  and — " 


i 


76  OUR.  OWN    HEROES. 

"  Hush,  Grace ;  don't  you  see  Grandma  is  trying  to 
speak?"  interposed  the  boy. 

^'.I  should  say  the  gentleman  would  be  o-reatly  enlight- 
ened by  your  chatter,''  closed  in  the  school  girl,  good 
humoredly  nudging  the  little  ones. 

''  Don't  Aunt  Lina,"  called  out  both  children,  while 
Virtus  was  thinking,  "  I  was  wrong,  these  little  ones  are 
not  her  brother  and  sister;  but  '  Lina,'  as  they  call  her, 
must  be  a  sister — the  striking  likeness  shows  that." 

'' Th«re,  there,  children,  hush,"  said  the  old  lady,  en- 
joining silence.  "  You  see,"  continued  she,  to  Virtus, 
"spoilt  children.  I  cannot  help  petting  and  playing  with 
them,  so  they  are  ever  ready  to  place  themselves  on  an 
equality  with  me.  They  are  all  motherless,  and  for  the 
sake  of  my  lost  daughter,  the}i  are  tenderly  loved.  But 
old  woman  like,  I  am  telling  you  things  that  I  liave  no 
business  to.     I  hope  you  will  not  feel  fretted." 

"  I  am  not  in  the  least,  let  me  assure  you,"  was  the 
reply. 

*' A  good  young  man,  I  doubt  not.  The  lady  I  asked 
about  is  a  grand-daughter  also,  a  sister  of  this  one,"  said 
she,  laying  her  hand  on    Lina.     •'  She   was   on  horseback. 

Her  name  is .     Do  you  know  whether  or  not  she  has 

passed  ?" 

''  She  has — at  least,  I  think  so."  ''Was  she  accompanied 
by  two  servants  ?" 

'•  Yes,  a  man  and  woman." 

"■  The  man  is  mine.  I  call  him  my  fortune,"  put  in 
little  Jo,  in  an  important  manner. 

"  She  has  passed,  madam,"  said  Virtus  to  the  old  lady, 
and  then,  to  the  boy  .  "  Yes,  he  looks  like  a  fine  servant." 

At  this  point  little  Kate  drew  out  from  her  basket  some 
tempting  little  cakes  and  ofiFering  them,  said  : 

"  Aunt  Lina  is  ashamed  to  offer  you  any  cakes  because 
you  look  so  nice,  and   like  you   had  plenty  to  eat ;  but  I 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  77 

ain't  'cause   Auntio says,  the   soldiers  don't  got  any- 

thinfJT  veri/ good  to  eat.     Wont  you  have  these?" 

"  Yes,  to  please  you,  I  will  take  them.  They  will  make, 
with  ray  bread  and  bacon,  quite  a  dinner,"  smilingjy  re- 
plied he. 

"  There,  I  am  proud.  I  know  I  have  done  right,"  joy- 
fully exclaimed  the  little  girl. 

"Indeed,  you  have,  Kate.  And  I  wish  we  could  give 
the  gentleman  enough  to  last  him  a  week  j  but  we  had  to 
leave  so  hurriedly  that  we  brought  none  but  a  small  lunch- 
eon with  us,"  said  her  grandmother. 

"Then  I  will  not  deprive  the  little  girl  of  these — "  be- 
gan he,  but  she  inrerrupted  him  to  say  : 

"  0  yes,  you  must  keep  them.  I  would  not  take  them 
for  any  thing." 

"  0  yes,  keep  them  and  take  some  more,  then  we  will 
have  enough.  We  are  not  going  far.  You  must  come 
to  see  us  right  soon,  and  we  will  try  to  make  you  enjoy 
yourself." 

"  Come  next  Thursday,  it  is  my  birthday,  and  I  always 
have  lots  of  candy,  then  ;"  said  Kate. 

Virtus  thanked  '-licr,  and  they  all  laughed.  After 
inquiring  his  name  and  apologizing  for  the  familiarity  of 
the  children,  by  saying  that  they  knew  whom  to  like, 
the  old  lady  ordered  the  driver  to  proceed. 

Virtus  congratulated  himself  not  a  little  on  his  signal 
success. 

The  form  of  the  fair  maiden  now  found  a  permanent 
lodgment  in  his  mind;  .so  that,  if  he  had  been  disposed 
to  do  anything  not  in  accordance  with  strict  morality 
and  propriety,  the  presence  of  so  pure  a  model  of  the 
gentle  sex  would  have  restrained  him.  But  our  hero 
needed  no  such  aid  to  virtue;  his  principles,  moral  and 
religious,  were  so  correct  as  to  make  it,  with  the  assist- 
ance of  his  Heavenly  Father,  quite  easy  fcr  him  to  tread 
the  path  of    duty.      It  is  onlp    such    minds  as  this  that 


78  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

can  fully  appreciate  perfect  specimens  of  grace,  elegance 
and  virtue ;  for  where  low,  vulgar  passions  infest  the 
mind,  they  blunt  the  perception  of  the*  pure,  or,  in  other 
words,  these  degraded  passions  are  to  the  mind  what 
smoke  is  to  glass — they  destroy  its  transparency,  and, 
to  that  extent,  shut  out  the  beauty  of  objects  without. 
While  awlne  have  no  appreciation  of  the  value  of  pearls, 
^'  worth  appreciates  worth/' 

The  hours  fled  swiftly  while  our  hero,  feasted  his  mind 
on  the  beauty  and  loveliness  o£  the  peerless  dam.^el ; 
yet,  as  is  always  the  ease  with  those  whose  hearts  have 
been  pierced  by  the  arrows  of  Cupid,  he  was  not  wholly 
free  from  anxiety.  The  suspense,  not  to  say  uncertainty, 
which  envelopes  the  new  lover,  especially,  is  often  very 
painful.  Still,  in  the  present  case,  the  unhapp/.ness  natu- 
rally consequent  on  suspense,  was  very  much  modified 
by  the  sacred  influences  of  religion.  "  All  things  work 
together  for  good  to  those  that  love  the  Lord,"  thought 
our  hero ;  ''  and  He  has  said,  '  A  good  wife  is  of  the 
Lord.'  I  will  entrust  this  important  matter  to  Him, 
and  abide  His  decision.  I  will  make  my  will  bend  to 
His.  Thus,  I  feel  assured,  'all  will  be  for  the  best;' 
if  the  fair  stranger  is  one  day  to  be  my  bride,  I  trust 
it  will  be  for  the  mutual  good  of  both,  and  for  the  decla- 
rative honor  of  God;  but  if  it  would  be  better  for  us 
never  to  see  each  other  again,  'so  mote  it  be.'"  -^ 

It  is  natural  for  one  thus  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
the  Divine  goodness,  and  whose  heart  is  imbued  with  a 
sense  of  obligation  to  God,  to  bear  suspense,  persecution, 
adversity  and  kardships,    without  a  murmur. 

His  picket  hours  being  numbered  for  the  present. 
Virtus,  with  his    comrades,    returns  to    camps.      He  had 

not  been  there  a  great  while  when  Gen.  B sent  for 

him,  to  appear  at  his  head-quarters.  Obedient  to  the 
summons  he  appeared  in  front  of  the  General's  tent. 

"  Good    evening  I    Come  m  !"    heartily   exclaimed    the 


OtR   OWN    flEROES.  79 

General.  Yirtns  saluted  the  General,  and,  like  a  true  sol- 
dier, entered  the  tent,  and  took  a  seat,  the  superior  oflieef 
handing  him  a  cyn)p  stool.  While  the  General  had  none 
but  gentlemen  on  his  rtaff,  not  one  of  thcni  held  so  high 
a  place  in  his  confidence,  respect,  and  afiections,  as  Virtus. 
When  any  nice  point,  whether  of"  strategy  or  morals,  came 
up.  Virtus  roust  be  consulted;  and  his  statf  officers  present, 
knowing  the  GeneraTs  fondness  for  being  alone  with  Virtus, 
gracefully  retired. 

After  they  were  out  of  hearing,  the  General  began  : 
"  Well,  sir,  did  you  see  that  beautiful  young  lady  that 
passed  through  our  lines  to-day  V 

'*  I  paw  several  ladies;  you  must  be  more  specific,"  said 
Virtus,  with  a  crimson  blush.  "  I  refer  to  a  young  lady 
riding  a  gay  black  horse,  accompanied  by  two  servants." 

"Yes,  sir;  I  saw  her — and  a  fine  looking  lady  she  is." 

"  Did  you  ever  see  her  before  ?" 

"  My  impression  is  that  I  have." 

All  this  time  the  General  had  been  looking  quisically 
into  our  heroe's  eyes,  as  if  to  read  the  feeling  of  his  soul. 

"  Will  you  pardon  «ne  for  asking  you,  where  you  think 
you  saw  her  ?" 

"  At station,  sir,  if  I  am  not  mistaken." 

"  When  ?" 

"  When  we  passed  through  that   place  en  route  to 

city,  to  form  your  regiment." 

"  Precisely;  and  unless  I  am  mistaken,  the  boys  had  a 
laugh  on  you  about  her." 

"  1  believe  they  did,  sir." 

'*  It  is  not  my  purpose  to  pry  into  your  secrets;  yet, 
my  friendship  for  you,  my  admiration  for  her,  and  the 
rather  remarkable  circumstance  which  gave  rise  to  the 
innocent  sport  at  your  expense,  which  the  boys  indulged 
in  on  the  occasion  just  alluded  to — all  this,  I  say,  has 
awakened  in  me  an  interest  i"     our  behalf."' 


80  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

"  Thank  3'ou,  sir;  but  how  did  your  ^  admiration  of  the 
lady'  become  so  soon  excited  ?" 

"  I  happened  to  meet  her  in  the  road  today,  and  had  a 
long  conversation  witli  her.  She  is  at  once  the  most  beau- 
tiful, intelligent,  and  accomplished  young  lady,  i  think,  I 
ever  saw.  They  are  escaping  from  the  yankces,  and  going 
a  few  miles  below,  to  a  relation's  house.  If  I  can  assist  you 
in  any  way,  I  am  at  your  service.'' 

"  Thank  you,  General;  I  may  call  on  you  soon.  I  wish, 
at  least,  to  form  her  acquaintance  ;  and  1  would  be  glad,  if 
duty  should  not  conflict,  to  have  the  privilege  of  visiting 
the  family  next  Thursday." 

'^  You  shall,  certainly,  unless  something  serious  should 
transpire,  have  the  privilege  of  visiting  them  ;  and,  as  the 
old  lady  invited  me  down  on  the  same  day,  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  accompany  you." 

"  Every  thing  seems  to  work  well,"  thought  Virtus,  as 
he  expressed  his  thanks  to  the  General  for  his  kindness. 

'*  But  this  is  not  all  I  wish  to  speak  to  you  about.  I 
have  received  an  order  from  .Major  General  M —  to  appear 
with  my  brigade  to-morrow,  at  10  o'clock,  a.  m.  [Sunday], 
for  the  purp.ose  of  brigade  review.  Now,  I  am  at  a  loss  to 
know  what  to  do.     Shall  I  obey  the  order,  or  not  ?" 

'•  The  Army  Kegulations  do  not  require  such  exercises 
on  the  Sabbath  ;  and  there  is  no  pressing  7? ecessiY^  for  such 
review.  Besides,  it  would  tend  to  destroy  the  services  of 
the  Sabbath,  cause  the  irreligious  to  disregard  the  day,  and 
the  army  gradually  to  become  a  pandemonium.  For  my 
part,  I  will  say  that,  if  I  ever  have  to  do  such  a  thing  on 
the  Sabbath,  it  will  be  done  under  jjrotcst ;  so  that  the  sin 
of  desecrating  the  Lord's  day  will  be  chargeable,  not  to  me, 
but  to  him  who  extorts  obedience  to  his  unrighteous  de- 
mands. 

I  am  fully  aware,  also,  that  there  is  an  oath  adn-inistered 
to  us  all  to  obey  our  superior  officers;  yet  it  was,  of  course, 
understood  that  their  orders  would  not  be  such  as  to  cou- 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  81 

fiiot  witli  our  obligations  to  Gcd.  Should  an  officer  com- 
mand me  to  pl;isj)he!ne  the  name  of  Grod.  ur  to  take  my  own 
lite,  it  would  be  sinful  in  me  to  obey  him.  And,  if  I  am 
ordored  to  violate  any  of  the  laws  oi'  God,  I  shall  prefer  to 
*■  obey  God  rather  than  man.' 

''  But  you  ask  me  whether  you  shall  obey  the  order. 
Thi.s  you  must  decide  for  yourself.  I  should  first  write  a 
^lile  note,  informing  the  Major  General  that  there  are  no 
army  rfes^ulations  requiring  such  an  exercise  on  the  iSab- 
bath,  that  you  and  many  of  your  brigade  are  religiously 
opposed  to  such  desecration  of  the  Sabbath,  and  that,  there" 
fore,  you  hope  he  will  revoke  the  order." 

''This  is  just  what  I  have  written,  only  that  I  have 
dressed  the  ntatter/up  in  a  little  milder  language.  I  am 
anxiously  awaiting  a  reply.  Here  comes  the  messenger 
now." 

The  note  was  handed  to  Gen.  B — ,  and  he  read  as  fol- 
lows : 

'' j^rig.  Gon.  B— :  .My  order  is  unrevoked — appear  on 
the  field  at  the  hour  appointed. 

Major  General  M — ." 

Now  came  the  ''  tug  of  war,"  more  disagreeable  by  tar 
than  fighting  the  yankees. 

He  took  up  a  piece  of  paper,  and  wrote  thus  : 

"  Major  Gen.  M — :  Sir,  I  regret  that  you  have  not  re- 
voked your  order ;  for  I  cannot,  without  doing  violence  to 
my  conscience,  obey  it ;  and  it  would  be  pleasant  to  die,  in 
preference  to  doing  this.  If  you  choose,  I  will  consider 
myself  under  arrest,  and  will  gladly  appear  before  a  court- 
martial,  to  answer  for  my  conduct.     Very  respectfully,  &c., 

"Brig.  Gen.  B." 

When  the  Major  General  read  this  note  he  felt  very 
angry,  and  determined  to  arrest  the  man  that  was  so  pre- 
sumptuous as  to  disre^'irJ  his  or  lers ;  but  after  reflection 
led  him  to  pursue  a  different  course.  He  felt  convinced 
the  offender  would  be  acquitted  before  a  court-martial,  or, 

6 


82  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

if  not,  that  the  matter  would  be  refen*ed  to  the  govern- 
Tiient  authorities,  where,  he  felt  sure,  the  decision  would 
^0  against  hiui.  Not,  therefore,  through  any  regard  for 
the  Sabbath,  or  kind  feelings  towards  the  ofiender,  but  for 
fear  of  losini^  his  case,  and  subjecting  himself  to  the  criti- 
cism of  the  pious,  general!}',  he  sent  back  the  following 
note : 

Brig.  Gen.  B — ,  Not  wishing  to  have  an  open  eruptioo 
with  you,  I  suppose,  in  this  instance,  I  shall  have  to  respect 
your  weakness.  You  need  not  appear  for  drill  at  10,  a.  m., 
to-morrow. 

Maj.  Gen.  M." 

The  messenger  returned,  and  Gen.  B—  and  Virtus  were 
left  alone  together. 

'^  I  am  glad  the  matter  has  resulted  thus,"  said  Vir- 
tus; "yet  it  might  hcive  been  better  for  our  armies,  gener- 
ally, if  it  had  been  referred  to  Conirress;  for,  had  the 
question  been  pressed  upon  that  body  for  a  decision,  there 
is  little  ground  to  doubt  that  tliey  would  have  placed  their 
veto  upon  such  wanton  desecration  of  the  Sabbath.  But, 
for  your  sake,  I  am  glad  it  is  settled." 

"^  It  is,"  said  the  general,  "  very  strange  that  our  author- 
ities did  not  regulate  this  matter  at  first.  How  it  could 
have  been  left  arbitrary  with  generals  to  desecrate  the 
Sabbath,  and  cause,  at  will,  thousands  of  pious  soldiers 
to  spend  the  day  in  drills,  reviews,  inspections,  &c.,  is  be- 
yond my  comprehension. '^ 

After  the  conversation  on  this  subject  closed.  Gen.  B — 
asked  Virtus  this  question  : 

"  How  can  I  exert  the  best  influence  over  the  men  under 
my  charge — officers  and  privates  ?" 

"In  the  first  place,  being  a  Christian  yourself,  you  should 
•let  your  light  shine'  conspicuously  before  all.  More  than 
this,  you  should  use  your  position  so  as  to  promote  the  in- 
fluence of  your  teachings  Then,  secondly.  Encourage 
Chaplains  to  persevere  iu  their  labor;  urge   Chrietians  to 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  83 

do  their  whole  duty;  warn  sinners  to  forsake  their  sins. 
Encourage  your  men  to  bear,  like  good  soldiers,  the  bur- 
dens, hardships,  and  dangers  of  war,  tempering  firmness 
with  kindness.  Thirdly. — Teach  every  officer  and  private 
his  duty  to  his  country,. to  himself,  and  to  his  God.  Sup- 
pr(s.>^  all  gross  immoralities,  such  as  profanity,  intoxication, 
card-playing,  stealing,  &c.  Finally. — See  to  it  that  every 
man  treats  every  other  in  a  proper  way.  Let  no  officer 
abuse  a  private,  or  private  insult  an  officer,  with  impu- 
nity. 

''Do  all  this,  and  you  will  have  the  happiness  of  know- 
ing that  yours  is  one  of  the  most  efficient  brigades  in  the 
service  ;  do  this,  and  you  will  be  the  means  of  saving  the 
morals  of  many  a  soldier,  if  not  his  soul ;  do  this,  and 
you  vill  have  a  conscience  void  of  oflence  towards  God 
and  man  ;  do  this,  and  you  will  deserve  thefflffmind  grati- 
tude of  all  the  good  in  your  brigade,  of  many  wives,  moth- 
ers, and  sisters,  and  oi  posterity  ;  do  tiiis,  and  when  you 
gain  admittance  through  the  pearly  gates  of  the  New 
Jerusalem,  many  a  star  will  glisten  in  your  crown  of  re- 
joicing." 

With  profound  interest  did  the  general  listen  to  all  that; 
our  hero  said  ;  and  his  serious  look  showed  how  deeply  he 
felt  a  sense  of  his  responsibility.  Thanking  his  adviser  for 
his  counsel,  he  said  : 

'"1  must  adopt  system  in  my  labors,  else  little  will  be 
done." 

"  Yes,"'  said  the  other,  "  system  is  the  key  to  success. 
Without  it,  we  have  little  time  for  any  thing;  with  it,  we 
can  do  a  gieut  deal,  and  have  much  time  to  spare. 

''  I  would  advise  you  to  ashemblo  your  whole  brigade,  at 
least  once  a  week,  lor  the  purpose  of  impressing  upon  all 
the  importunce  of  adopting  system,  and  give  them  such 
other  advice  as  will  en.ible  them  to  see  their  responsibility, 
and  make  the  best  of  their  time  possible."  ^ 
"  1  will  do  it,"  responded  the  generaL 


84  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

"  By  doing  so  you  will  add  much  to  the  pleasure,  as  well 
as  to  the  good,  of  the  brigade.  The  men  will,  I  think,  be 
delighted  to  know  thai  their  leader  is  so  deeply  interested 
in  their  behalf.  Nothing  helps  one  so  much  as  to  know 
that  his  superiors  are  interested  in  and  desire  his  good.'^ 

"  Very  true/'  replied  the  general;  *'and  I  am  surprised 
that  this  idea  had  not  occurred  to  me  before.  Why  did 
you  not., mention  it  to  me  V 

"1  have  thought  of  doing  so  a  number  of  times,  bat 
have  been  waiting  for  a  suitable  oppo^^tunity.  I  do  not 
wish  to  make  myself  too  officious,  because  you  are  disposed 
to  regard  me  kindly.'' 

"  Do  not  allow  such  ideas  to  enter  your  head.  I  esteem 
your  friendship  too  highly,  not  to  regard  properly  your  ac- 
tions. But  what  time  in  the  week  would  it  be  most  likely 
io  please  the'^njen  to  meet  'i  I  -rant  to  consult  their  conve- 
nience ;  for  on  that,  to  a  considerable  extent,  at  least,  de- 
pends their  appreciation  of  this." 

'•That,  of  course,  will  depend  on  circumstances.  When 
we  are  stationed — as  we  are  now — almost  any  evenings  could 
be  chosen." 

^'  This,  I  believe,  is  Saturday.'* 

"  Yes." 

"  Then  to-morrow  I  will  announce  a  meeting  for  next 
Friday  evening,  If  nothing  more  th-in  I  know  of  should 
occur." 

"  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  hear  your  lectures  on  the  pro- 
posed subjects,  and  can  only  hope  that  duty  will  not  de- 
prive me  of  the  pleasure  of  hearing  the  first/'  replied 
Virtus. 

"  If  you  would  only  consent  to  receive  a  position,  my 
dear  friend,  that  would  place  you  more  at  liberty,  I  would 
be  most  happy." 

To  this  our  hero  merely  replied  : 

''  We  have  sufficiently  discussed  that  matter  before." 

As  it  was  growing  late,  the   private  retired  to  his  own 


OUR    OWN    HEROES.  85 

tent,  there  to  seek  that  repose  which  is  so  sweet  to  the 
weary  when  a  consciousness  of  having  performed  faithfully 
the  duties  of  the  day,  abides  with  him.  This  night,  how- 
ever, though  at  rest  in  conscience,  and  w^ary  of  body,  Vir- 
tus could  not  easily  compose  himself  to  »leep.  And  when 
at  last  the  drowsy  god  asserted  his  power,  dreams  of  a  certain 
lovely  face  and  form  visited  and  flitted  through  the  mind 
of  tiiB  sleeper. 

The  Sabbath  was  beautifully  mild  and  calm.  Anxious 
listeners  gathered  together  under  the  bra'iftches  of  the 
spreading  forest  to  hear  the  word  of  God  expounded. 
Oificcrs  and  men  knelt  under  nature's  ten)ple,  to  return 
grateful  thanks  to  the  "  Giver  of  all  Good." 

It  was  a  noteworthy  fact  that,  though  no  man  was  com- 
pelled to  attend  Divine  service,  there  were  few  of  the  gen- 
eral's old  regiment  absent  from  the  assembly  of  anxious 
worshipers.  It  will  never  be  known  in  this  world  how 
Bauch  influence  for  good  a  pious,  consistent  general  may 
exert  over  the  men  whom  he  commands;  nor  how  much 
influence  for  evil  an  ungodly,  tyrannical  general  may  exert 
over  his  men.     Their  responsibility  is  fearful ! 

But  let  us  return  to  the  service. 

Our  noble  Chaplain,  after  singing  and  prayer,  announced 
the  following  as  his  text : 

"  I  am  not  ai^hamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  ;  for  it  is  the 
power  of  God  unto  sahaiion  to  everf,  one  that  believeth." 

""Well,"  said  the  distinguished  speaker,  ''might  the 
Apostle  make  the  declaration,  '  I  am  not  ash.Vmed  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ,'  while  he  had  so  good  a  reason  to  sup- 
port his  position.  Men  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  many 
pbsitions  which  they  assume,  because  they  have  no  r/ood 
reason  to  sustain  them;  but  while  '■salvation  is  the  legiti- 
mate reason  for  any  position  assumed,  no  one  need  be 
ashamed  of  that  position.  }Mii/ ?  Because  it  is  the  best 
and,  therefore,  the  strongcf^t  reason  that  man  can  assign  for 
his  conduct  or  opinions. 


86  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

"  Salvation  !  What  does  it  implj^  ?  It  iuiplies  that, 
without  the  Gospel  man  is  lost — lost  forever — banished 
from  the  presence  of  God  and  angels — left  to  endure  the 
penal  consequences  due  to  his  multiplied  transgressions. 
To  the  lost  soul^no  ray  of  joy,  peace,  or  hope  can  ever  pen- 
etrate !  Eternal  misery,  '  the  gnawings  of  the  worm  that 
never  dies,'  must  be  the  portioii  of  the  poor,  lost  soul! 

'' But  '  salvation' implies  release  from  thisawful  state. 
Nor  is  this  all  :  It  implies  a  well-grounded  hope  oi  admit- 
tance into  t#e  blessed  city.  It  furnishes  'unspeakable  joy' 
here,  and  eternal  blessedness  hereafter. 

" '  The  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,'  the  angels  of 
God,  and  Christ  himself,  will  be  the  associates  of  the  saved 
soul 

'*  Release  from  infinite  torture^  and  the  enjoyment  of  in- 
finite hlias,  are  the  results  of  '  salvation.'  Now,  what  can 
be  more  desirable  than  to  escape  the  one,  and  obtain  the 
other?  The  Apostle's  reason,  therefore,  is  two-fold:  \^t. 
to  escape  eternal  punishment;  and,  2d.  To  obtain  eternal 
blessedness 

"  Who,  then,  would  be  ashamed  of  that  which  brings 
such  important  results?  Who  would  be  ashamed  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ?  Who  would  be  ashamed  of  Him  Who, 
by  His  incarnation,^obedience,  sufiering,  death,  and  resurrec- 
tion, made  it  possible  for  man  to  obtain  a  seat  in  the  New 
Jerusalem, 

"  But  hoic  is  man  to  avail  himself  of  the  benefits  of 
Christ's  atenement?  By  hdicviny.  The  Gospel  of  Christ 
is  the  power  of  God  to  every  one  that  '  believeih.'  Believ- 
eth  whfit?  Believeth  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  Will  ^ow 
not  all  believe  this  precious  Gospel  ?     Why  not  ?" 

I  hav':!  given  nothing  more  than  the  general  outlies  of 
the  sermon  :  to  appreciate,  fully,  it  was  necessary  to  hear 
it,  and  see  the  speaker. 

At  the  close  of  the  sermon,  the  general  arose,  made  a 
touching  appeal  to  the  men  to  seek  salvation,  and  announc- 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  87 

ed  liis  purpose  of  deliverinfz;  a  series  of  lectures  on  certain 
subjects,  beginning  next  Friday  evening. 

After  prayer  and  singing,  the  congregation  was  dis- 
missed. 

It  is  proper  to  state,  that  the  other  troops  encamped  near 
this  brigade  were,  while  Gen.  B — 's  n>en  were  enjoying 
religious  service,  engaged  in  making  a  great  *'  military  dis- 
play." 

What  a  contrast !  Here  praises  ascended  to  Him  Who 
giveth  the  victory  to  A\  hnni  He  will;  there  the  holy  Sab- 
bath was  openly,  and  without  reason,  desecrated  I 

Why  Gen.  \i — '&  brigade  was  not  present  at  the  "  grand 
review,"  his  own  men,  except  a  very  few,  did  not  know  ;  but 
they  thouu:ht  they  knew  enongh  of  the  general  to  know  that 
he  would  resign  any  military  position  before  he  would  wan- 
tonly violate  the  Sabbath.  And  in  this  they  had  judged 
him  correctly  ;  for  he  had  resolved  that,  rather  than  disre- 
gard the  Sabbath,  he  would  throw  up  his  commission,  and 
fight  as  a  private. 

His  men,  in  view  of  their  belief  that  their  general  had 
resolved  not  to  desecrate  the  Lord's  d.iy,  had  their  appreci- 
ation of  him  much  heightened.  Proud  they  were  to  serve 
under  such  a  noble  and  devotedly  pious  man. 

Every  thing  went  on  smoothly  till  Thursday  morning, 
the  day  agreed  upon  to  visit  the  family,  important  members 
of  which  the  general  and  our  hero  had  already  seen.  So 
meeting  Virtus  early  jifter  breakfast,  the  general  said  to 
him,  ''  Will  you  be  ready  after  morning  drill,  to  pay  these 
ladies  our  contemplated  visit  V 

''  Yes,  sir;  at  least  I  know  of  nothing  to  prevent.  I 
will  be  at  your  service  early  after  drill." 

**  We  will  leave  at  half-past  ten  o'clock,  a.  m.,"  said  the 
general.  "Come  up  to  my  head-quarters,"  continued  he, 
"  and  you  shall  ride  our  noble  black,  that  has  carried  you 
safely  through  a  more  dangerous  expedition." 


88  OUE   OWN    HEROES. 

"  Thack  you,  general,  was  the  modest  reply  of  the  noble 
youth. 

According  to  promise,  Virtus  appeared  at  the  general^;? 
head-quarters,  dressed  in  his  best  suit,  which  was  made  of 
gray  (Confederate  jeans,  with  the  necessary  sprinkling  of 
brass  buttons.  It  is  not  my  design  to  describe  his  manly 
appearance  on  the  occasion  ;  suffice  it,  that  he  had  no  cause 
to  blush,  and  the  truly  refined  could  but  admire  him. 

They  were  soon  on  their  way.  The  general  was  unusu- 
ally mirthful,  while  his  comp  inion  was  almost  silent. 

Our  hero  could  only  command  sufficient  control  over 
himsell  to  pay  that  regard  to  his  officer's  mood  which  was 
required  of  him.  He  would  gladly  have  riden  in  silence, 
but  he  knew  such  a  course  would  not  only  be  disrespectful 
to  Gen.  B — ,  but  would  also  bring  upon  himself  raillery  j 
for  no  one  enjoyed  jesting  more  than  Gen.  B — 

After  a  few  miles'  ride  they  entered  the  beautiful  grounds 

of .     All  the  surroundings  showed  that  abundant 

wealth  was  possessed  by  the  owners. 

"  This  is  a  splendid  place,"  remarked  the  general ;  *'  and 
we  may  safely  promise  ourselves  a  pleasant  evening,  if  the 
family  is  as  well  cultivated  as  the  grounds." 

''  That  they  are,  those  who  have  seen  and  conversed 
with  them  cannot  doubt,"  was  the  gallant  reply. 

''  On  the  defensive  alread^'^,  are  you  ?  1  shall  have  to 
use  caution  in  your  presence.  One  who  can  learn  so  much 
from  one  or  two  chance  meetings,  and^consider  it  his  duty 
to  play  the  defender,  may  prove  dangerous." 

"  Not  at  all.  General  :   but  you  must  yourself  admit  that 

Miss is  a  lady  of  refinement,"  was  the  blushing 

reply. 

"  Well,  yes  ;  I  was  rather  impressed  with  that  fact. — 
But  yonder  comes  that  little  rogue,  whose  birthday  we  are 
to  celebrate." 

Little  Kate,  in  her  joy  and  eagerness,  ran  and  opened 
the  gate  before  a  servant  could  be  summoned. 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  89 

"  I  am  so  glad  to  see  you,"  she  esclaitiied,  while  they 
were  dismounting,  ''  Just  think  of  havinir  a  ceneral  at 
my  catidy-puiling  !  It  makes  me  quite  proud.  And  I  am 
jast  as  glad  to  have  you,  too,"  said  she,  turning  to  Virtus. 
Then,  as  naturally  as  if  they  had  been  old  friends,  she  held 
up  her  rosy  mouth  fur  a  kiss  from  each.  Entering  into  a 
playful  conversation  with  the  merry  child,  they  walked  up 
the  broid  graveled  w;ilk  to  the  piaza,  where  they  were  met 
and  most  cordially  welcomed  by  the  gentlemen  and  old  Mrs. 
Morton. 

They  were  ushered  immediately  into  the  spacious  par- 
lor, where  Virtus  was  formally  introduced  to  the  one  who 
had  been  seen  in  many  u  dream.  He  could  not  keep  down 
n  flashing  color ;  nor  did  he  faii  to  notice  the  "  rosy  bluches" 
that  bloomed  in  .Miss  Lula  iiOve's  cheeks.  The  presenta- 
tion of  thesancy  school-girl,  Lina,  was  quite  a  relief. 

Taking  in  all,  it  was  quite  a  happy  gathering.  The 
merry  Kate  was  allowed  to  do  as  she  pleaccd,and  it  pleased 
her  to  have  all  attention.  No  one  must  refuse  to  join  in 
her  amusement.  Even  (xen.  13 —  had  to  consent  to  engage 
in  a  game  of  "  club  fist." 

Mixing  in  this  child's  play,  any  restraint  that  might  have 
been  felt  at  first,  soon  passed  away.  Not  many  hours  elapsed 
before  strangeness  wore  off,  and  each  I'elt  the  feeling  of 
friend  to  friend,  except,  perhaps.  Virtus  and  Miss  J>ula. 
'vV'hile  each  seemed  to  look  upon  the  other  indifferently,  a 
close  observer  could  not  fail  to  detect  the  interest  they  felt. 
They  spoke  to  each  other  unrestrainedl}-  on  many  subjects, 
and  every  thing  caused  them  to  look  more  intently  within, 
at  the  feelings  springing  into  existence. 

Long  before  the  visit  was  over,  A' irtus  had  resolved  to 
Reek,  and,  if  possible,  win  the  hand  and  heart  of  the  charm- 
ing lady,  provided  further  acquaintance  did  not  lessen  his 
admiration  ;  and  there  was  little  doubt  in  his  mind  in  re- 
gard to  this  subject. 

During  the  day,  General  B took  occasion,  when  old 


90  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

Mrs.  Morton  had  made  some  complimentary  remark  about 
his  friend,  to  relate  in  detail  much  of  his  gallant  conduct; 
and  also  to  speak  in  the  highest  terms  of  his  family  con- 
nection. Thi.s  very  much  gratified  the  old  lady,  who  com- 
placently remarked  : 

*•  I  knew  he  was  ^gentleman,  when  I  first  saw  him.  No 
mean  man  can  look  as  he  does." 

It  is  but  proper  to  state  that  the  young  people  had 
strayed  out  into  the  beautiful  grounds,  before  this  conver- 
sation commenced.  Oar  hero  would  never  have  allowed 
himself  to  be  made  conspicuous,  had  he  been  present. 

Meantime  Virtus  is  delighted  with  the  sensible  and 
beautiful  remarks  made  by  Miss  Lula.  He  very  gradually 
led  the.  conversation  to  the  discussion,  of  what  is  requisite 
to  constitute  a  happy  married  life. 

"  In  the  first  place,"  said  Miss  Lula,  *'  the  parties  enter- 
ing upon  this  state  ought  to  assure  themselves  that  their 
dispositions  are  congenial." 

"  Certainly,"  said  Virtus,  "  for  without  congeniality, 
love  cannot  exist;  and  without  that  mutual  love  which 
enables  each  to  bear  and  forbear,  nothing  but  misery  can 
be  expected.  A  thorough  knwledge  of  the  character, 
hence,  should  be  obtained  by  all  who  enter  this  state. 
Hay  this  be  considered  another  requisite  ?" 

"  It  may  ;  and  to  obtain  this  knowledge  an  acquaintance 
of  time  is  required,"  was  the  reply.     . 

"  True.     But  may  not  the  time  be  short?" 

^'  Under  some  circumstances  it  might.  But  such  cases 
do' not,  I  think,  occur  often.  Time  will  show  faults,  and 
if  all  lovers  would  w'ait  for  blindness  to  pass  away,  there 
would  be  fewer  unhappy  marriages." 

'•  I  agree  with  you,  in  thinking  that  the  blindness  should 
pass  away;  or  rather,  I  do  not  think  the  purest  and  best 
love  blinds  us.  Where  judgment  and  reason  cati  perceive 
those  qualities  which,  wo  know,  are  necessary  to  happiness, 
an  appreciation  arises  which  is  far  above  what  is  commonly 


OUR    OWN    nEROES.  91 

regarded  as  love.     If  judgment  and  reason  do  not  recommend 
a  union,    it  seems   to  rae  to  bo  iblly  in  any  one  tft  marry.'* 

''  Yes,  but  yoMT  judges — judgment  and  reason — are  often 
very  stern." 

"  J^it  not  the  loss  just." 

''True,  but  who  would  choose  a  wife  or  a  husband, 
merely  regarding  them  'i  While  their  decisions  ought 
never  to  be  violated,  I  am  far  /Vom  believing  that  nothing 
else  is  necessary.  Affection  should  be  taken  into  the 
account  too,  else  matrimony  becomes  a  mere  business  trans- 
action, and  every  one  with  nice  ieelings  objects  to  barter- 
ing away  himself" 

"  I  see,"  .said  Virtus,  "  we  will  be  quibbling  about  terms. 
You  use  ^  feelings,^  '  love,'  in  the  sense  I  do  appreciation. 
Well  then,  when  love,  reason  and  judgment  coincide,  all 
may  be  considered  right." 

'•  Provided  the  acquninfanre  is  sufficient  to  furnish  the 
real  traits'in  the  characters  of  each." 

"That  reminds  me,"  said  Virtus,  "  that  we  may  often 
know  the  character  of  persons,  without  having  any,  or  a 
very  limited  personal  acquaintance  with  them.  Might  not 
love  spring  up  under  such  circumstances  ?' 

•'  Pos.sibly.  But  it  is  more  usually  admiration  in  such 
eases.      We  may  admire,  where  love  would  be  impossible." 

"  Suppose  two  persons  should  be  mutually  attracted  to- 
ward each  other  upon  their  first  meeting,  may  the  resulting 
feeling  be  rey:arded  a  good  basis  for  matrimony  V  inquired 
our  hero,  while  a  blush  suffused  the  cbeek  of  either. 

After  a  moment's  hesitation  Miss  Lula  replied  : 

^'  That,  I  suppose,  more  properly   comes  under  the  head 

of  admiration,  which  may   deepen   into  love    in  time.      To 

love,     without  having    some   ground   wherein   to    exercise 

judgment  and  reason^  must  a])pear   very  silly  to    you,"  she 

replied  laughingly. 

Virtus  laughed  too,  and  blushed  as  he  thought  of  the 
admiration  his  lovely  companion  called  forth  the  first  time 


92 


OUR   OWN     HEROES. 


he  ever  saw  her.  He  seemed  to  have  forgotten  what  they 
were  conversing  about,  for  he  abruptly  asked:  *'  What  do 
you  think  of  love  at  first  sight  ?  Is  it  not,  after  all  about 
as  reliable  a  t"cst  as  persons  could  be  governed. by  ?" 

"I  thought,"  said  ]^Jiss  Lula,  "that  we  had ''lilready 
agreed  that  reason,  should  be  allowed  to  act  her  part  in  the 
matter.  And  if  this  be  so,  then  it  is  certain  that  time 
would  be  necessry  in  order  for  reason  to  collect  facts,  aiid 
make  up  her  judgment." 

"This  is  all  very  well;  yet  it  does  not  reach  the  princi- 
ple after  ivhich  I  was  inquiring.  Love,  I  take  it,  is  noth- 
ing more  than  that  agreeable  feeling  which  springs  up  in 
the  minds  of  congenial  spirits,  when  they  are  brought 
within  the  sphere  of  attraction.  Where  this  feeling 
sprin^is  up  mutually  between  a  couple,  reason,  unless  the 
parties  belong  to  the  stoics,  has  little  power  or  disposition 
to  search  after  blemishes,  while  it  serves  as  a  magnifying 
glass  through  which  all  the  virtues  of  the  loved  owe.  are 
favorably  exaggerated.  Moreover,  would  nature  allow 
mutual  love  to  spring  up,  wliere  the  parties  are  ill  suited 
to  each  other?" 

Too  much  under  the  influence  of  the  sacred  Same,  to 
deny  its  power,  or  to  speak  lii^htly  of  it,  the  maiden,  with 
crimson  cheeks,  replied  :  "  Granting  that  all  you  say  is 
true,  it  would  certainly  tend  but  to  heighten  love,  if,  as 
you  say  is  usually  the  case,  reason  adds  the  force  of  her 
decision  to  the  noble  feeling  of  love.  Besides,  it  seems  to 
be  an  axiom  withtfie,  that  before  one  is  wedded  to  another 
for  life,  the  parties  should  both  hnoio  what  they  are  doing." 

While  this  conversation  was  jroing  on,  they  were  both 
unconsciously  plucking  flowers,  and  each,  by  this  time,  had 
quite  a  handful.  Their  conversation  was  interrupted  by 
the  rinjxinii;  of  the  dinner  bell. 

"  Let  us  walk  in  to  dinner,"  said  the  lovely  Lula,  gazing 
modestly  into  the  soldier's  face.  While  on  the  way  to  the 
house,  such  thoughts  as  these  fluttered  through  her  mind  : 


OUR    OWX    HEROES.  93 

"  W%  is  it  that  this  soldier  has  stolea  my  affections — why 
should  those  tender  enioti<)ns  of  which  1  hitherto  supposed 
my^seif  incapable,  sprinir  into  existence  at  the  sight  of  a 
stranger?  Nobleman  that  he  is  !  How  brilliant  his  in- 
tellect, how  refined  his  feelings,  how  ncble  his  heart,  and 
how  acute  his  sense  of  honor  and  Dropricty  I  k^uch  a  man 
is  worthy  the  affections  of  a  better  woman  than  I  am  I" 

Thus  it  is  that  love  views  only  the  virtues  of  the  one 
around  whom  the  affections  are  entwined  ;  while  the  lover, 
magnifying  the  excellencies  of  the  loved  one,  imagines 
himself  or  herself  unworthy  of  the  affections  of  the  one 
enshrined  in  the  heart.  But  though  this,  in  many  cases, 
is  true  ;  1  presume  it  has  never  yet  happejied  that  a  lover 
was  willing  to  take  the  logical  consequences  of  this  sense 
of  unwortliiness — viz;  reject  the  hand  of  the  one  deemed 
so  much  superior. 

Seated  at  the  dinner  table,  the  General,  partly  to  tease 
Yirtus,  and  partly  to  amuse  the  dinner  party,  turning  to 
our  hero,  said  :  ''  A  soldier's  life  would  be  comparatively 
happy,  if  lie  could  have  the  pleasure  of  enjoying;  the  society 
of  Jadies,  would  it  not  ?" 

'*  It  is  quite  a  treat,  General,  for  the  soldier,  accustomed 
I  to  naught  but  soldiers'  society,  to  be  allowed  the  pleasure  of 
I  mingling  with  ladies." 

Upon  this,  Miss  Lula's  face  caught  a  sublime  crimson 
glow,  while  Virtus,  with  all  his  self-possession,  could  not 
dure  for  a  moment  to  turn  his  eyes  from  his  plate. 

The  conversation  was  carried  on  very  plersantly  during 
the  feast ^  and  immediately  on  retiring  fiom  the  table,  the 
General  looking  at  his  watch,  exclaimed,  ''  It  is  now  i'ull 
time  we  were  in  camps  I'! 

These  words  were  anything  but  pleasant  to  all  the  party, 
young  and  old,  especially  to  Miss  Lula  and  Virtus. 

"  1  regret,"  said  Mrs.  Morton,  ''  that  you  cannot  spend 
the  evening  with  us." 

*'  Under  other  circunistaoces,  it  would  afford  us  (mean- 


94  OUR    OWN    HEROES. 

inoj  Virtus  and  himself)  much  pleasure  to  do  so;  but '  duty 
before  pleasure,'  you  know,  -  should  be  a  governing  princi- 
ple with  us." 

"■  Certainly;  but  you  must  both  call  again  soon — we  will 
be  happy  to  see  you,"  said  the  kind  lady  of  the  house;  and 
in  this  sentinent  all  the  family  were  agreed. 

*'  Thank  you,  madam,"  replied  the  general  ;  "  it  will  af- 
ford us  much  pleasure  to  call  again  soon,  if  duty  will  al- 
low;" and  with  this,  they  bade  the  kind  people  adieu,  not, 
however,  until  Virtus  had  received  a  kind  of  side  invita- 
tion from  Miss  Lula,  to  call  again,  which,  of  course,  he  un- 
reluctantly  agreed  to  do. 

They  had  scarcely  cleared  the  gate,  when  the  general  be- 
gan :  "  Well,  Virtus,  I  hope  you  have  had  a  fine  time  of 
it;  you  and  that  young  Miss  seemed  to  enjoy  yourselves 
admirably." 

''  A  very  fine  time,  sir ;  it  is  quite  a  green  spot  in  a  sol- 
dier's life,  to  be  permitted  to  while  away  an  hour  with  such 
a  family." 

"  And  with  such  o,  young  lady,  especially,"  added  the 
general. 

'*  I  accept  the  emphasis,  General ;  and  confess  that  Miss 
Lula  is  quite  a  nice  young  lady." 

"  Not  quite  so  cold  and  self-possessed,"  exclaimed  the 
general,  with  a  broad  smile  on  his  face.  ''You  had  as  well 
own  up  at  once;  for  that  you  and  Miss  Lula  are  both  tre 
mondously  involved  in  love,  is  too  plain  for  a  man  with  one 
eye  not  to  see.  Come,  now,  make  me  your  confident,  andi' 
I  will  help  you  through,  if  you  should  need  any  assist-,;| 
ance." 

"  Well,  General,  I   must  say  fhat  I  have  a  very   greats' 
admiration  for  Miss  Lula;  so  much  so,  that  I  have  a  desir 
to  see  her  agjiiu ;  and,  of  course,  I  am  very  much  oblige 
to  you  for  your  profibred  aid." 

"  VVhenever  duty  will  allow,  you  can  have  leave  of  ab 
uence,"  said  the  general,  laughingly. 


OUR    OWN    HEROES,  95 

"I  thank  you.  sir;  I  will,  if  duty  will  allow,  avail  my- 
self of  your  kind  permission." 

Thus  they  talked  till  they  came  within  the  lines  of  the 
encampment,  when  other  matter*  attracted  the  officer's  at- 
tention,;  and  though  the  private  had  other  thirgs  to  em- 
ploy his  body,  lie  found  it  difficult  to  disengage  his  mind 
from  her  who,  to  tell  plain  truth,  had  stolen  his  heart. 

But  let  us  listen  to  what  was  said  by  the  i'amily  with 
whom  they  had  dined: 

*'  Very  pleasant  gentlemen.''  said  old  Mrs.  Morton  to  her 
daughter. 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  other,  "  I  have  rarely  seen  two  more 
interesting  gentlemen.  And  what  is  remarkable,  their 
difi'erent  ranks  seem  to  form  not  the  least  barrier  in  their 
way — the  general  seems  to  think  as  much  of  the  private, 
as  if  both  were  of  the  sa;i:e  grade  in  office." 

'*  Yes,  and  well  he  may,  in  thi3  case,"  exclaimed  Mrs. 
Morton  ;  "  for,  from  the  general's  own  account,  that  private 
is  quite  his  equal  intellectually;  his  superior,  morally;  and 
not  inferior  to  any  one,  in  true  bravery." 

"  Did  the  general  tell  you  much  about  him  ?" 

"  Yes  ;  he  spent  at  least  an  hour  in  telling  of  what  the 
private  has  done,  and  of  the  noble  character  he  possesses; 
as  ajio  of  his  family.  More  than  this,  he  says  that  the 
young  n)an  persistently  declines  any  office,  and  that  his 
reasons  for  doing  so  are  so  strong,  that  the  general  himself 
cannot  answe*  them.  '  The  general  thinks  he  has  no  equal, 
if  he  is  a  private." 

"Give  us  his  history,  if  it  is  so  interesting." 

The  old  lady  theu,.in  a  conversation  of  about  two  hours, 
detailed  the  incidents  in  the  character  of  our  hero,  which 
the  General  had  related  to  her.  Nor  was  Miss  Lula,  lhou<rh 
all  the  time  silent,,  an  inattentive  listener.  Sbe  eagerly, 
though  apparently  in  a  listless  mood,  drank  down  every 
word — storing  up  carefully  every  feat  performed,  and  treas- 
uring up  every  virtue  that  was  displayed  in   the  conduct 


96  OUR  OWN  HEROES. 

of  our  noble  hero.  Now  it  was  that  the  decisions  of  rea* 
sou  blende!  most  happily  witli  the  strong  emotions  of  love 
which  had,  from  tlie  first  sii;ht^  so  strongly  sprung  up  in 
her  heart,  and  which,  desfite  herself,  so  often  painted  her 
cheelvs  with  the  hues  of  the  scarlet  rose.  It  may  be 
enough,  for  the  present,  to  say,  that  they  both  loved  with 
their  first  afi"ections,  and  that  their  reason  sanctioned  this 
noble  exercise  of  the  soul. 

Little  of  note  transpired  in  camp,  till  the  time  arrived 
for  the  (general's  fiist  lecture.  It  will  be  impoasible  for 
me  to  lay  before  the  reader  anythinir  more  than  a  brief  out- 
line of  these  admirable  diecoarses.  Would  that  every 
(jreneral  had  the  capacity  and  will  to  deliver  such  lectures 
to  his  men  ;  then  would  the  tented  field  appear  as  a  Bethel, 
and  the  term  of  service  would  be  one  of  great  advantage 
to  the  large  majority  of  our  brave  soldiers. 

But  to  the  lectures. 

The  first  was  delivered  on  the  subject :  "  Jiy  duti/  to 
mi/seJf." 

After  a  touching  introduction,  the  dignified  speaker 
elaborated  the  following  propositions  : 

''  1.  I  owe  it  to  myself  to  preserve  my  health.  To  do 
this,  it  is  necessary  for  me  to  keep  my  person  clean,  to 
observe  regular  habits  in  eviting,  sleeping,  and  exewgise. 
Every  needless  violation  of  the  laws  of  health,  forfeits 
one's  right  to  health,  if  not  to  life.  Cleanliness  and  taste 
in  dress  we  owe  boiih  to  ourselves  and- to  our  associates'. 

"  2.  We  owe  it  to  ourselves  to  improve  our  manners. 
If  we  are  disposed,  we  can,  as  easily  as  not,  be  polite  and 
agreeable.  The  dignity  of  the  human  species  requires  us 
all  to  make  ourselves  as  aflable  and  agreeable  as  possible, 
without  acquiring  a  disgusting  affectation. 

''  3.  We  owe  it  to  ourselves  to  improve  our  intellects. 
Knowledge  is  very  much  to  the  intellect  vrhat  food  is  to 
the  body  :  It  imparts  vigor,  strength  and  polish  to  it. 

"  Situated  as  we  are,  without  books,  we   cannot  acquire 


OUR   OWN   HEROES.  97 

knowlc'igeas  rapidly  as  we  mii^ht  do  if  at  home  ;  yet  we 
have  aiiijjle  opp  triunitics  to  study  '  nature,  priucipies  and 
tilings.'  And  if  we  WiU  but  improve  our  tiiiie  properly, 
We  u.ay  add  dally  to  our  stock  of  knowledge,  and  thereoy 
polish  our  intellects  more  and  more. 

''4.    We  owe  It  to  ourselve.s  to  cultivate  our  niDral  prin- 
ciples, and  refine  ail  our  teelui^s. 

"To  be  succtsstui  in  thi.-^,  we  iiuisjt  never  gratify  any  of 
the  mean  desirts  and  ai»peLnes  in  our  naiuie.  \v  e  must 
never  chtrisli  an  impure  thought  or  desire,  speak  an  uu- 
ciiaste  word,  or  commit  a  mean,  base  -or  tlouotial  ac>iun. 
For  if  we  do  either  of  these,  we  degrade  the  Sj.)UiLUai  mm, 
—  we  inipV>sea  foui  s;aiu  upon  our  suuls,  w.uu.i  riveis  of 
tears  will  never  be  aL>le  to  wash  uul  ;  ii>.i  can  an  aUei  Kie 
of  virtue  atone  tor  the  int'umy  tnas  ind.o.cd  lie  liiole 
says,  '"As  a  uiau  tliinketli,  no  U  iu\  Jinparny  ot  li.e  be- 
gins in  mijiuro  thougiirs;  iiu.mre  ihju^ii.s  yji.an  cxj..e 
iiiipure  desires,  and  impure  de.-<ires  oileu  icsuit  hj  oasc,  uc- 
•ria  img  actions  lle;iee,  we  snouid  aiac.id  all  iujjiUic 
taou^ncs,  and  clierisii  u.u^nt  uuc  aucii  inuaj.iits  as  wiii 
elevate  and  utinu  us.  i^et  us  ca.tivate  (.nre  i.u.i^-.n.iUo.is 
— establish  a  loiry  laeal  of  nonor,  iiiL»y.iiiy,  a.iU  Vii'.ue; 
nur  let  us  ever  be  onient  Utiui  we  h.iVe  madj  the  uij4,iieoC 
possible  attainments  m  all  ttu-se  excellences. 

''  Finally.  W  e  owe  it  to  ource.ves  to  secure,  pure  and 
undeii.ed  relii^^ion. 

'•  WiihiMjt  this,  every  other  possible  attainment  wiK  fciil 
to  make  us  happy.  i  he  ^ulf  between  the  sinners  soul 
and  happiness,  is  impas»aL»ie  by  any  virtue  of  his  own. 
]\ian  by  nature  is  lo6t — lost  to  holiness,  happiness  and  to 
the  favor  of  G-Jd  These  can  be  secured  omy  by  '  repent- 
ance towards  God,  and  fattli  in  the  juord  Jesus  Uhrist.  It 
is  the  uuty  of  each  sinner  to  repent,  of  nis  s.us,  and  accept 
ot  Chri-t  as  his  Savior.  You  cannot  aiford  to  pos.pone 
this  matter.      '  Now  is  the.  c/au  of  saloatLun.'  ' 

There  is  no  means  of  estimatinii;  theamoUQt  of  good  that 

7 


98  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

resulted  from  this  lecture.  It  made  a  lasting  impression  on 
t'le  minds  of  many. 

Before  the  time  for  the  next  lecture,  the  General  in  com- 
mand ordered  a  reconnoisance  to  be  made  in  the  direction 
of  the  eneiiij  ;  and  a  requisition  was  made  upon  Gen.  B — • 
for  some  men,  of  unquestioned  valor  and  ability,  as  they 
would  be  required  to  go  far  within  the  supposed  lines  of 
the  enemy.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  Virtus  was  one  of 
the  number  selected  for  this  hazardous  mission. 

Mounted  on  fleet  charger:?,  those  appointed  to  make  the 
reconnoisance,  started  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy.  They 
had  proceeded  but  a  few  miles,  when  crowds  of  refugees — 
old  men,  women  and  children — met  them.  They  all  seemed 
delighted  at  seeing  Conl'ederate  Soldiers  j  and  gave  uni- 
form t'-^stimony  of  the  brutal  treatment  the  Federals  were 
giving  our  citizens.  Robbery  and  incendiarism  marked 
the  advance  of  the  enemy  !  Modern  warfare  furnishes  no 
example  of  a  people,  so  heartless  and  unprincipled,  as  the 
hypociitical,  puritanical  Yankees  I 

The  scouting  party  now  reached  the  town  near  which 
Misg  Lula  Love  once  resided.  The  stately  mansion  which 
she  once  called  home,  was  now  lonely  and  desolate.  A  lew 
old  servants,  tried  and  true,  were  left  to  take  care,  as  best 
they  could,  of  the  noble  residence.  No  earthly  house 
presented  such  attractions  to  Virtus.  Even  the  birds  that 
Bang  so  sadly  in  the  richly  decorated  bower. in  front  of  the 
house,  seemed  to  touch,  with  their  plaintive  melodies,  ail 
the  solemn  chords  in  his  heart.  An  ardent  love,  tempered 
with  sadness  by  the  calamities  brought  upun  the  family, 
and  indignation  at  the  miserable,  heartless  robbers  who  oc- 
casioned all  this  sadness — these,  with  a  firm  resolve  to 
avenue  the  wrong,  were  his  prominent  feelings  while  pass- 
ing the  once  happy  abode  of  the  loved  Lula.  Fain  would 
he  have  stopped  to  gaze  upon  the  flower-yard,  made  beauti- 
ful by  the  hands  of  the  fair  maiden^  but  dutt/  allowed  no 
delay. 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  99 

They  had  not  gone  more  than  six  miles  farther,  when 
the  Yankee  vanguard  appeared  in  the  distance.  The  party, 
unobserved,  fell  back  a  few  hundred  yards,  left  the  road, 
and  ascended  a  high  hill,  from  which  point  they  could  easily 
see  all  the  forces  of  the  enemy  as  they  passed  From  this 
stand  point,  our  hero  counted  thirty  two  regiments  of  in- 
fantry, four  batteries  of  8  guns  each,  and  two  regiments  of 
cavalry.  They  al^^o  counted  the  number  of  men,  as  accu- 
rately as  they  could,  in  several  of  the  regiments  ;  and  de- 
cided that  the  regiments  would  avernge  about  525  men, 
each.  So  that  the  whole  force  numbered  between  18.000 
and  19,000  men.  After  the  enemy  had  all  passed  except 
a  few  stragglers,  the  party  descended  to  the  road  and  cap- 
tured a  fow  prisoners,  from  whom  they  learned  that  the 
entire  Yankee  corps  had  passed. 

All  the  desired  information  ha<l  now  been  acquired, 
touching  the  number  and  moveni'.nts  of  the  enemy,  but 
"  how  shall  we  convey  this  to  head-fjunrters  ?"  was  a  ques- 
tion of  great  moment.  Our  hero  knfw  of  but  one  road 
that  would  lead  him  back  to  his  command  ;  and  it  would 
not  do  to  think  of  travelling  this.  To  make  their  way 
through  the  woods  and  fields  was  their  only  jd'ernative.  and 
thus  they  began  their  rough  journey,  tnvelifig  much  of 
the  time  within  sight  of  the  road,  which  was  filled  with 
Y^ankees.  As  they  drew  near  the  town  through  whicti 
they  had  pa.-^sed  in  the  morning,  Virtus  had  tha  unspeaka- 
ble mortification  of  seeing  the  princely  residence  of  Miss 
Lula  wrapt  in  flames!  "There  is  a  dav  of  retribution 
ahead  !"  lowly  muttered  the  hero.  "  I  will  never  ask  for  a 
furlough,  while  a  Yankee  foot  presses  Southern  soil  !" 

The  enemy  had  thrown  out  pickets  all  around  the  village, 
which  they  were  now  plundering;  and  lucky  would  he  be, 
who  could  pass  within  sight  of  the  town  without  being 
aeon.  Such  good  fortune  did  not  fall  to  the  lot  of  our  gallant 
party;  for,  not  far  before  them,  wore  clearly  visible  not 
less  than  a  dozea  pickets  !     These,   however,  were   easily 


100  OUR  OWN  HEROES. 

avoided  b}^  a  hasty  and  remote  "  flank  movement."  One 
hill  Wiis  descended,  anuflior  a&cendcd,  and  our  biave  boys 
were  out  of  darker  tor  the  present  at  hast. 

l\Jovin_u  on  in  a  direction  parallel  with  the  read,  our  little 
party  h;id  -ioneanout  ibur  miles  ^^Len  they  caii.e  to  a  road 
that  evidently  led  into  the  one  that  would  guide  ihtm  to 
C{:mps ;  but  pickets,  our  mtdei  eoldier  rij:hiiy  thou<iht, 
were  posted  at  tlie  junction  of  the  two  roads.  Hence  ihe 
former  road  was  cro.^sed.  and  the  forest,  dense  though  it 
was.  must  be  explored. 

Ihe}'  had  but  passed  through  this  skirt  of  woods,  when 
they  came  within  full  view  of  a  Yankee  regiment  of  cavalry, 
encamped  in  a  grove  near  a  large  ccni. field,  into  which  they 
had  turned  their  horses.  Wheeling  to  run,  the  enemy  saT^ 
our  scouts,  and  began  to  make  every  effort  to  pursue  thcm^ 
Q  hough  most  of  the  ei.tmy's  l-oifes  weie  loose  in  the 
field,  yet  seme  of  them  were  tadoled,  and  ready  lor  the 
chase.  Probably  about  100  were  eent  in  pursuit,  6(  me  im- 
nu  diately  towards  our  little  band,  and  others  on  ahead,  so 
as  to  cut  tluui  eff.  Ihe  |  ros]  i  ct  for  their  escape  \\as 
indeed  glo(  m\  !  Yet  it  they  wcie  to  le  eajituied,  the 
prize  would  be  Chtimated.  if  lor  no  other  reaeon,  because  it 
would  le  no  costly  lo  the  cuptors. 

Not  many  minutes  liad  elapsed  before  it  became 
evident  that  the  rui£i^<-d  must  win  el  and  fight.  Gaining 
a  iavorable  posiiit-n,  they  halted,  tui  not  lo  surrender  as 
the  ]Uii!,ue)s  supposed;  lor,  of  the  ten  lankees  who  were 
nearest  at  hand,  eight  v. e5e  seen  to  lall  luu]  their  saddles, 
on  the  recepiicn  of  the  fiist  volley.  jI  he  ofher  two 
'changed  tlieir  base."  ly  letrtaiing  as  rapidly  as  yossille. 
The  firing  attracted  tbe  (/thei  i  uisuers,  but  wlen  lh(^  cane 
near  enough  to  hear  the  screaujs  ot  their  wounded  cm  races, 
our  hirces  were  several  l.unciied  yt-rds  Item  ihem,  to  that 
ctcaje  now  seeujed  }  ossibie. 

As  ihey  turned  ti»  go  down  a  long  sloping  hill,  they  dis- 
coveieda  se>uad  of  "Yankees  on  Leiore   them  to  the    right, 


Otm  OWN    HEROES,  101 

a  number  about  equal  to  their  own.  On  seeing  the  Confed- 
erates the  vandals  halted,  and  began  to  look  around,  as  if 
to  count  their  own  strength.  Seeing  which,  our  gallants 
da.shed  towards  them,  and  they  fled  in  wild  confusion  to- 
ward their  encampment;  but  not  everyone  by  several,  were 
fortunate  enough  to  escape. 

Virtus  with  his  little  band  now  galloped  on  in  the  direc- 
tion of  their  camps,  and  saw  nothing  more  of  the  enemy 
that  evening.  An  hour  more,  and  our  noble  hero  reported 
to  Gen.  B — .  The  general  was  very  much  delighted  at  the 
success  of  the  reconnoisance,  and  went  to  report  immedi- 
ately to  the  General  in  command;  who,  on  learning  that 
the  reconnoitcring  party  was  commanded  by  a  private,  was 
very  mu;;h  displeased  ;  but  when  Gen.  B —  told  him  of  the 
character  of  Virtus,  asscniiig  that  the  private  was  the 
most  reliable  mm,  for  such  service,  in  l:is  brigade,  the  old 
Geneaal  gave  way,  and  expressed  himself  as  satisfied.  Yet 
the  glowing  discription  given  of  our  hero,  caused  even  this 
austere  old  General,  who  was  wont  to  estimate  a  soldier 
merely  on  the  basis  of  ranky  to  express  a  desire  to  see  this 
*'  remarkable  private." 

"  I  would  be  pleased,"  said  Gen.  B — ,  "  to  introduce  him 
to  you.  I  am  sure  you  would  admire  him.  lie  is  one  of 
the  most  intellectual,  pure,  incorruptible  and  gentieminly 
men  I  ever  knew.  Most  men  would  consider  him  eccen- 
tric, but  when  y<m  probe  his  eccentrity  to  the  bottom,  you 
find  it  to  be  yn  extraordir)ary  attachment  to  principle — 
principle  of  the  right  kind." 

"Send  for  him  to  come  here,"  said  the  other;  '•  I  wish 
to  ttst  him." 

Virtus  was  sent  for,  and  quifkly  made  his  appearance. 

"  Allow  me,"  euid  Gen.   B —  '•  to  present  you  with   my 

friend,  Private   Virtus,  General   .  '     Our   hero 

bowed  gracefully,  while  the  officer  was  far  m-.<  .'olie  than 
was  his  custom  to  privates.  The  General  liicu  -  L^^  him 
to  narrate  the  particuiurs  of  his  reconnoisance.     This  the 


102  Omi  OTTN   HEEOES. 

hero  did  in  a  concise,  intelligent  and  unembarrassed  man- 
ner. The  old  General  was  much  delighted  with  the  young 
man,  and.  wishirjj;  to  make  our  hero's  talent  available,  said, 
"  I  would  be  pleased  to  attach  you  to  my  staff,"  at  the  same 
time  tendering-  him  a  position  with  the  rank  of  Lieutenant, 

"  T  am  much  "obliged  to  you,  Sir;  but  it  is  my  resolve 
to  serve  my  country  as  best  I  can,  as  a  private." 

The  old  General  raised  his  head  in  astonishment! 
"  What '  refuse  to  be  an  officer  !  1  never  heard  of  such 
a  thing  !     Have  you  any  reason  for  this  ?" 

''  I  think  I  have,  sir." 

Our  hero  then  preceded  to  state  all  his  reasons  in  order, 
and  invited  the  General  to  answer  them.  But  this  he 
was  not  able  to  do.  Near  the  close  of  the  conversation, 
the  General,  in  a  very  complimentary  way,  told  Virtus  that 
he  might  consider  himself  the  chief  of  all  important  recon- 
noitering  parties;  to  which  he  replied:  '' I  am  always 
ready  to  do  all  I  can  to  serve  my  country." 

Excitement  and  expectation  prevailed  throuahout  the 
encampment,  when  it  become  generally  known  that  double 
their  number  of  the  enemy  were  so  near.  The  over  brave 
were  desirous  of  making  an  immediate  attack  on  the  ene- 
my, but  the  General  in  command  considered  "discretion 
the  better  part  of  valor,"  and  the  failure  of  the  expected 
reinforcements  to  arrive  determined  him  to  "retreat."  Ere 
the  morning  light  broke,  the  tents  had  been  "struck,"  and  the 
encampment  deserted.  Much  to  the  honor  of  the  com- 
manding officer,  but  little  was  left  for  the  vandals  to  glory 
over.  Every  bridge  was  burned  in  the  rear,  and  many  ob- 
structions placed  in  the  enemy's  way,  should  they  continue 
to  advance.  * 

Upon  inquiry.  Virtus  found  that  the  main  body  of  troops 
would  not  pass  the  residence  of  Lula's  uncle,  as  it  was 
about  two  miles  from  the  most  direct  road.  Thought  he  : 
"  What  plan  can  I  devise  to  inform  this  interesting  family 
of  our  retreat  ?     It  is   possible  for  them  not  to  know  soon 


OUB  OWN   HEROES.  103 

enough  to  make  their  escape.  The  lovely  Lula  must  be 
warned.     I  must  make  the  effort  to  see  her  once  more  too." 

With  such  thoughts  aa  these,  he  sought  Gen.  1> — , 
whom  he  found  just  ready  to  leave.  After  hearing  Virtus 
he  said  : 

'•  You  are  more  thoughtful  th:in  I  am.  Amid  so  many 
duties,  I  had  forgotten  those  friends.  Yes,  they  must  have 
warning  in  time.  They  have  done  too  much  for  our  cause 
not  to  escape  the  brutality  of  the  Federals.  liut  whom  will 
we  send  round  to  tell  them  ?" 

"^f  y*^^  do  not  object,  that  would  be  a  pleasant  duty  for 
me  to  perform,"  was  the  modest  reply. 

Though  weightier  matters  weighed  on  his  mind,  Gen. 
B —  could  not  restrain  a  smile  at  this  reply, 

"  I  can  imagine  your  anxiety,  considering  the  fair  Lula." 
said  he;  "and  suppose  you  must  have  the  privilege  of  see- 
ing her  again,  though  I  would  much  like  to  have  you  with 
me.     Good  scouting  leaders  will  be  much  needed." 

'•  With  your  permission,  General,  I  will  not  think  of  the 
last  part  of  your  speech,  but  interpret  ihe  former  in  my 
favor.     As  for  scouting  leaders,  you  can  find  enough." 

"  0  you  must  go,  1  see.  Well,  present  my  kindsst  re- 
gards to  the  family,  but  do  not  allow  stronger  than  Yankee 
chains  to  bind  you." 

"  Thank  you  I  I  will  be  up  with  the  command  before 
noon." 

"  You  ride,  of  course  :  to  undertake  such  a  trip  on  foot 
must  not  be  thought  of" 

"  I  am  an  iiiTantry  private  ;  and  only  ride  when  on  cer- 
tain important  duty,"  was  the  reply. 

"  But  is  there  no  horse  you  can  get?  I  am  sorry  I  have 
none  to  offer  you.  To  go  so  tar  out  of  the  way,  and  then 
overtake  the  troops,  will  be  very  fatiguing,"  said  the  Gen- 
eral, uneasily. 

"  I  could  gladly  '  double-quick'  the  whole  distance,  rath- 
er than  to  miss  conveying  such  important  informatiou.  The 


104  OUR  OWN  HEROES. 

wpgons  are,  I  believe,  all  gone,  and  the  horses  with  them. 
I  shall  get  along  vt>ry  weh  on  foot,  never  tear." 

''Ihe  atiraciioiisi  ot  Miss  Lula  must  indeed  be  highly 
appreciated,  to  tempt  you  to  do  this." 

♦'  It  would  be  unkind,  general,  to  leave  that  warm-heart- 
ed Southeru  family  to  tali  into  the  enemy's  hand.</'  said 
Virtus." 

**  Yes;  and  I  leave  you  to  warn  them  of  the  imjr.ending 
danger;  but  do  not  linger  too  long.  You  may  be  needed 
elsewhere;"  saying  which,  Gen.  B —  rode  ott,  and  Virtus 
joyluiiy  J-et  out  to  pertbira  his  self-imposed  task. 

"  I  must,"  said  he,  ''  make  ail  possible  speed;  so  that 
thei/  can  leave  before  the  troops  pass." 

lie  pressed  eagerly  lorwara,  and  soon  after  daylight  en- 
tered the  grounds  of   Vir. — . 

He  met  old  ^irs.  Morton  on  the  piazza.  The  busy  old 
lady  was  delighted  and  surprised  to  see  him  at  that  early 
hour.  A  few  liasty  iiiquines  were  indulged  in,  and  she 
hastened  to  arouse  the  gentlemen,  who  were  addicted  to 
taking  morning  naps,  teuon  the  entire  f:>niily  were  up,  and 
hasiy  prepaiations  commtnced  for  their  flight.  Our  hero 
enjoyed  halt  an  hour  s  tctc-a-tcte  with  Mi&s  Lula,  despite 
the  geneial  excittment. 

Immediately  after  breakfast,  Virtus  arose,  and  commenc- 
ed bidding  the  fiimiiy  adieu,  when  Mr.  Morton  said  : 

'•  Can  you  not  wait  until  we  a're  ready  to  go?  Your 
company  will  be  very  acceptable." 

*''lhuuk  you,  i  would  be  much  pleased  to  do  as  you 
suggest,  but  u.Uat  overtake  the  command  as  soon  as  possi- 
biC.  1  fear  1  have  already  tarried  longer  than  is  consistent 
W.th  duty." 

•'  You  must  not,  of  course,  neglect  duty,  in  order  to 
gratily  us.  Kun,  Katy,  and  call  a  servant  to  bring  th'"  gen- 
tleman s  horse  round. ' 

•'  JUo  not  trouble  yourtelf/'  said  VirtuS;  "  I  belong  to  the 
infuutry." 


OUR  pWPI  HEROES.  105 

**  Yes,  but  you  certainly  did  not  uome  so  far  ou*  of  your 
way  on  foot  to  serve  us  V 

"■  i  could  not  get  a  horse,  but  was  too  willing  to  warn 
you,  to  allow  such  a  trifle  to  be  a  hindrance." 

"  You  must  leave  a-lbot,  then.  Our  Ciiuse  of  gratitude 
was  sufficient  before  this  was  known,  but  it  is  heightened 
now,"  said  old  Mrs.  Morton  ;  and  bhe  was  warnjly  second- 
ed by  the  other  ujerubers  of  the  I'amily,  Mits  Lula  cot  ex- 
cepted. 

Virtus  felt  somewhat  embarrassed  by  the  commendations, 
and  thanks  showered  upon  him,  but  retained  enough  of 
composure  to  reply : 

"  i  do  not  deserve  any  thanks  for  this  simple,  humane 
act.  To  have  served  you  is  a  sufficient  reward.  A  few 
miles  walk  is  of  but  little  importance  to  one  accustomed 
to  marching.  I  hope  you  will  ail  be  able  to  got  away  from 
the  federals.      And  now,  1  really  must  be  going." 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  taid  Mrs.  Love,  "  the  bug^y  will 
soon  be  around;  and  I  will  ask  you  to  take  one  of  the  girls 

to  the  hotel  at .     Thus,  3'ou  will  oblige  me,  and  save 

yourself  so  long  a  walk." 

If  such  an  arrangomeut  will  favor  you  in  tlie  slightest, 
I  will  be  happy  to  oblige  you,"  said  Virtus,  devoutly  hop- 
ing that  Miss  Lula's  company  would  be  his  just  a  little 
longer. 

"  It  will  oblige  me,  for  Lina  cannot  drive.  Lula  has  a 
sore  hand,  and  one  of  them  must  go  iu  the  buggy.  Come, 
girls,  which  one  of  you  can  get  ready  suonest  J'  Mr.  Vir- 
tus is  anxious  to  be  off;  so  don't  keep  him  waiting." 

*'  0,  Pa,  I  cannot  be  ready  the.^ie  two  hours,  for  my 
worsted  work  is  all  unpacked,  and  I  must  not  lo.se  that," 
said  Lina,  as  lier  lather  s  eye  rested  on  her. 

"  And  you  would  almost  as  soon  lose  yourself  as  your 
worsted  work  I     Then,  Lula,  can  you -be  ready  soon  r"" 

"  in  a  very  few  minutes,"  said  she,  while  a  crimson 
blush  grew  laco  her  cheeka. 


108  OUR  OWN  HEROES. 

Virtas,  it  is  needless  to  say,  was  highly  gratified  at  this 
happy  arraii^ement.  The  hocel  referred  to,  was  a  short 
distance  b^jyond  the  position  the  army  woald  occupy,  but 
he  agre.jd  tint  he  c juld  take  Miss  Lula  there,  and  get  back 
to  his  command  by  noon. 

Very  soon.  Miss  Lula,  looking  very  lovely  in  her  dark 
riding  dress,  reported  herself  ready  to  go.  Though  every 
thing  on  their  way  was  in  confusion,  the  ride  was  not  with- 
out its  pleasures.  In  fact,  the  blind  god  had  already  put 
it  into  the  heart  of  Virtus  to  exercise  unlimited  belief  in 
Lula's  perfections ;  and  he  felt  that  to  be  near  her,  to  see 
her  gentle  smile,  to  hear  her  sweet  words,  was  sufficient 
cause  of  happiness.  Still  his  reason  forbade  his  speaking 
a  word  of  hve,  yet  the  eye,  as  is  often  the  case,  performed 
the  office  of  the  reluctant  tongue. 

Both  knew  that  they  loved  and  were  loved — that  was  suf- 
ficient.    Time  would  bring  the  lip  confession. 

Our  hero  succeedad  in  placing  the  lovely  maiden  in  the 
hotel,  and  engaging  rooms  for  the  family  (for  here  they 
intended  remiining,  temporarily,  at  least),  and  just  bad 
time  to  report  to  Oqh.  B —  before  noon. 

The  general  in  command  had  chosen  a  strong  position, 
about  ten  miles  sputh  of  the  previous  one;  and  hoped,  by 
strongly  fortifiing  himself,  to  be  able  to  repel  the  enemy, 
and  effectually  check  their  advance.  Tne  erection  of  for- 
tifications was  vigorously  commenced  at  once. 

Though  every  hour  in  the  day  was  fully  occupied,  Gen. 
B —  found  his  brigade  anxious  enough  to  hear  his  second 
lecture,  to  assemble  in  the  evening.  They  accordingly  met, 
and  heard  a  lecture,  of  which  the  following  is  a  brief  and 
imperfect  synopsis. 

The  Second  Lecture. —  Our  Duty  to  our  FeJlow-man. 

''  No  one  can  be  too  well  taught  in  relation  to  his  duty 
to  his  fellow-man.  If  duty  to  self  be  perfectly  understood, 
and  acted  out;  one  may  be^  perhaps^  tolerably  happy;  for  duty 


OXTR  OWN   HEKOES.  107 

to  self,  in  part,  at  least,  aflfects  our  fellow- man.  He  "who 
would  be  truly  good  and  bappj  must  look  beyond  self  in 
tbe  performance  of  duty.  "V\"e  should  consider  wbat  tboae 
around  us — tbose  in  daily  communion  witb  us,  require  at 
our  bands.  Certainly  sometbing  must  be  done  lor  tbeir 
improvement,  pleasure,  or  bappmcssj  and  escb  sbould  ask 
himself,  "Wbat  must  I  do?"  And  then,  baving  learned 
bis  duty,  press  forward  to  its  performance.     Tbcn  : 

1.  Duty  demands  kindness  toward  tbose  witb  wbom  we 
are  connected.  Tbis  is  a  proposition  almost  too  plain  for 
illustration  or  argument. 

"VVe  bave  our  companions  around  us — tbey  eat,  sleep,  and 
live  witb  us ;  and  whatever  of  happiness  we  may  be  able  to 
bring  them,  is  required  at  our  hands  by  dvfi/.  It  is  no  in- 
difierent  matter  to  produce  suffering,  either  mental  or  phy- 
sical. 6V<7i?V<f7ness  does  produce  mental  sufferinp;.  Slights, 
jeers,  and  the  like,  though  apparently  little  things,  wound 
the  sensitive  heart.  Then,  if  the  one  acting  unkindly  re- 
flects upon  his  course,  the  stings  of  a  wounded  conscience 
continually  prick  him.  Thus  one  unkind  act  may  make 
two,  or  even  more,  unhappy.  For  tbe  sake  of  sf//',  then,  as 
well  as  for  others,  kindness  should  characterise  our  inter- 
course with  our  fellow-beings. 

2.  Duty  requires  us  to  be  2'^Ute  to  our  companions, 
neighbors,  and  Iriends.  .  Without  politeness — that  \^hich  is 
suggested  by  common  sense,  guided  by  a  well-meaning 
heart — not  senseless  etiquette — man  renders  himself  ditcjust- 
in(/,  rather  ihixn pleasant,  to  tbose  around  him.  Impolite- 
ness does  not  enter  into  pure  hearts.  Kot  to  be  consist- 
ently polite  is,  to  a  certain  extent,  to  be  unkind.  It  is 
miore  easy  to  treat  those  around  us  politely,  than  otherwise  ; 
for  impoliteness  often  require^  thought  lor  its  peilecticn, 
while  its  opposite  arises  naturally  in  tbe  tnind  of  the  gen- 
tleman. 

Again,  to  be  knowingly  impolite,  we  must  overccme 
the  reasoning  of  good  senbe,  good  nature,  and  a  good  heart. 


108  OXTR  OWN    HEBOES. 

True,  a  deadened  state  nmy  be  reached,  in  which  the 
actors  feels  little  or  no  compunction  ',  but  such  cease  to  be 
gentlemen — they  are  very  near  the  brute  creation,  who  can 
be  habitually  and  intentionally  impolite.  They  are  below 
the  level  of  sensibble  men,  and  deserve  only  that  treatment 
which  is  due  to  all  enemeis  of  mankind  at  our  hands.  By 
being  polite,  we  make  others  pleasant,  remove  some  of  the 
rough  corners  in  our  rugged  life-path,  and  obtain  for  our- 
selves the  regard  of  mankind. 

3.  Duty  demands  that  we  labor  for  the  good  and  improve- 
ment of  our  companions. 

Every  man  has  something  to  do  in  life,  and  should  seek 
his  vocation,  not  only  with  leference  to  his  own  selfish  pre- 
ferences, but  he  should  take  into  account  the  benefits  to  be 
conferred  on  others.  If  this  rule  were  more  nearly  carried 
into  efiect,  lewer  clashes  and  jars  would  occur,  and  greater 
good  result      We  should  labor — 

I.  For  the  moral  improvement  of  all — make  every  efi"ort 
in  our  power  to  lift  our  Jeliow-men  Irom  the  sinks  o+  sin, 
and  point  them  to  the  strait  and  nairow  road  that  leads  to 
the    New   Jerusalem. 

0  that  al!  felt  the  importance  of  this  !  Then  would 
the  gates  of  hell  open  less  fiequcntly  to  recei\e  the  eter- 
nally dying,  while  shouts  of  glad  music  would  v^elctme  the 
returned  prodigals  to  a  father's  mansion.  Haj.py  he  \vho 
is  instrumental  in  saving  one  soul. 

II.  The  mental  improvoment  of  those  with  whom  we 
come  in  contact,  should  receive  due  consideration.  jMight 
we  not,  by  a  uord,  lead  siuje  one  who  now  grovds  in  if:no- 
rance,  to  search  the  fields  of  wisdoiii  ?  and  thus  render 
himself  fit  to  enjoj  more  of  the  blessings  so  prolusely 
lavished  upon  us?  The  unlettered  child  of  ignorance 
knows  I'Ut  little  of  real  enjoyment.  His  is  rathtra  neyu' 
ttve  hsppinets  (so  to  speak),  ciampcd  in  narrow  limits,  he 
cannot  soar  into  tbe  fields  oi   delight. 

III.  Ihat  we  should  attend  to  the  physical  comforts,  or 


OUR  OWN   HEROES>  109 

gcod,  of  cur  companions,  needs  only  to  be  hinted.     Everj^ 
one  perceives' I  he  uecesfcity  of  relieving  pliysical  suffering. 

V.  e  come  then  : 

4.  To  ihe  consideration  of  duty  towards  our  enemies, 
(for  v.e  all  have  enemies,  even  smoni:  our  every-day  associ- 
ates). I'ianv  can  point  out  those  whom  they  know  to  be  at 
enmity  with  them.     Toward  such,  how  shall  we  act  ? 

Human  nature  says,  "  iio/e  forhate."  Eut  the  more  we 
hate  iiH  enemy,  the  wider  thpt  rupture  becomes.  Hatred 
never  cures  hatred;  but,  since  "like  produces  like,"  new 
animosities  sprir)g  up,  new  ruptures  break  forth,  and,  car- 
ried  to  an  extreme,  every   man   is  at  war  with  his  brother. 

Duty  never  su-jgcsted  this  mode  of  treatment ;  no,  never. 
Our  v-bole  duty  to  our  enemies  i«  comprehended  in  the 
words,  "  Love  yovr  intmirs."  0  it  is  love  that  soitens 
the  heart,  cleanses  it,  makes  it  pure,  and  draws  brother  to 
brother  in  sweet  coniuiunion  !  Ko  cntmy  can  long  with- 
stand the  tender  pleadings  of  this  feeling. 

Would  we  benefit  our  emmics,  dinw  hatred  from  their 
he.irts,  and  implunt  a  holy  feeling  ?  'J  hen  let  us  love  them, 
work  lor  their  good,  break  the  chains  that  bind  them,  and 
make  them  worthy  to  be  our  friends,  our  companions,  our 
own  hved  brothers.  Ibis  is  our  duty  to  this  class  of  UiCn, 
as  taught  by  God. 

Ihen  let  us  look  to  our  hearts,  aud  see  that  we  cherish 
love.  We  need  not  love  the  sins  of  our  enemies,  but  a 
desire  lor  their  spiritual  welfare  should  be  ever  cherished 
fur  them. 

Finallj^:  We  should  do  unto  others  an  we  would  that  they 
should  do  unto  us.  Ihis  includes  our  who.e  duty  to 
U;an.  We  do  not  desire  otheis  to  treat  ua  badly,  then  we 
shLuld  not  mifetreat  thtm.  We  want  nothing  but  kindness, 
love,  or  honor  Irora  others;  then  we  Uiust  »:ive  nothing 
elte  to  fhim.  How  diiierent  would  be  the  sctnes  of  earth 
were  eveiy  one  to  do  as  he  would  be  done  by.  Quarreling, 
Warring,  and  the  like,  would  be  at  an  end. 


110  6VR  OWN  HEROES. 

It  is  inotirabent  on  every  individual  to  do  wliat  he  can 
toward  bringing  about  this  happy  end.  Duty  calls  every 
one  to  his  post.  Your  own  happiness,  as  well  as  that  or' 
others,  depends,  in  a  great  measure,  upon  the  strict  per- 
formance of  duty  to  your  fellow- man.  Then,  when  so 
much  is  at  stake,  it  is  but  reasonable  that  every  sensible 
man  should  see  to  it,  that  the  requirements  of  duty  at  his 
hands,  remain  not  unanswered." 

The  efifect  of  this  lecture  could  but  result  in  good.  Those 
of  the  men  who  were  engaged  in  petty  quarrels  and  wrang- 
lings,  felt  it  as  a  direct  rebuke  to  thems3lves;  and  many  of 
them  resolved  to  do  better  in  the  future—  to  endeaver  to 
help  their  companions,  instead  of  hindering  them  on  every 
occasion. 

Gen.  B —  was  much  gratified  during  the  next  few  days, 
to  notice  the  general  feeling  of  friendship  pervading  his 
men.  Though  there  was  hard  work  to  do,  and  every  one 
had  his  allotted  share,  there  was  yet  time  to  show  kindness 
to  comrades. 

Every  day  scouting  parties  were  out,  playing  about  the 
lines  of  the  enemy.  Sometimes  these  parties  were  unfor- 
tunate enough  to  lose  a  man  or  two,  either  captured,  killed, 
or  wounded ;  but  in  the  aggregate  we  took  more  prisoners 
than  we  lost. 

The  known  ability  of  Virtus  as  a  leader  of  scouting  par- 
ties, often  placed  him  ia  command.  He  found  such  labor, 
though  often  beset  with  many  dangers,  preferable  to  work- 
ing on  the  fortifications.  It  it  needless  to  speak  of  his  al-j 
most  unparallelled  success.  One  endowed  with  intellect  and 
caution,  is  not  apt  to  be  foiled  or  led  astray  by  the  wiles  of 
mere  vassals. 

A  few  days  after  the   lecture  last  civen,   as  the  enemy 
'  were  still  several  miles  away,  and  no  immediate  attack  an 
ticipated,  Gen.  B —  determined  to  continue  his  course  ol 
lectures.     So,  after  the  day's  labor  was  finished^  he  called 


OVn  0W5  HEROES.  Ill 

his  men  together,  and  delivered  a  lecture^  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  a  brief  sketch  : 

"  Our  Duty  to  our  Cowiiry." 

'•'  I  need  offer  no  apology  for  again  addressing  jcu  on  the 
8ul)ject  of  (Jut I/,  when  it  is  reuienjbered  that  he  who  knows, 
and  performs  every  duty  perfectly,  is  happy.  An  omission, 
or  negleat  of  duty,  causes  unbappiness,  so  surely  as  the 
actor  has  not  deadened  his  conscience,  There  is  a  state  to 
which  wickedness  may  lead  man,  wheie  conscience  loses  the 
power  to  periorm  her  cffice  i.t'  approval  or  reprovul.  Those 
who  arrive  at  this  state  feel  no  unhappinoss  at  the  commis- 
eion  of  error  or  crime.  They  are  dead  to  good  works,  and 
hence  lose  all  appreciation  for  them  j  and  so  love  wicked- 
ness that  it  appears  loveable  to  them. 

This  may  seem  paradoxical  to  some;  yet  he  who  ob- 
serves mankind  cannot  fail  to  admit  its  truthfulness. 

Every  relation  in  liie  calls  iorth  its  parlicuJar  duties. 
There  are  duties  peculiai  to  the  family  circle,  to  the  church, 
to  the  comniunity  in  which  one  lives,  to  mankind  in  gene- 
ral; but  those  duties  of  which  I  piopose  to  speak,  on  the 
present  occasion,  hnve  relerence  to  one's  country. 

Then: 

1.  We  must  obey  the  laws  of  our  country.  We  are  all 
instrumental  in  making  our  laws;  but  few  think  much  of 
the  necessity  of  living  in  strict  accordance  with  them.  Our 
jails  and  penitentiaries  teem  with  the  violators  of  law. 
Look  at  the  "  motley  crew,"  and  decide  whether  their  life 
is  profitable  to  them.  Lost  to  virtue,  honor,  integrity,  they 
can  but  drift  on  through  life,  'mid  its  vile  filth  and  pollu- 
tion. But  not  all  violators  enter  prison  walls.  Many, 
whose  hearts  are  'rotten  to  the  core,'  evade  the  just  deci- 
sions of  the  law.  The  land  is  full  if  such.  Our  jails  are 
not  large  enough  to  hold  them.  And  to  this  class  belong 
the  blackest  villains  I  This  state  of  things  is  reached  by 
refusing  to  comply  with  the  behests  of  a  righteous  law. 


112  OUR  OWN  iiehoes. 

Should  all  men  become  eqa  illy  neglii^jent,  our  laws  raiglit 
as  well  be  abolished,  and  uurcouiiLrj  given  up  to  irretriev- 
able ruin. 

When  such  is  the  case,  what  sensible  man  can  say  that 
dat^  requires  nuthiiig  of  hiui  '{ 

Would  a  people  bo  united  and  happy?  then  let  them 
obey  the  laws  ot*  their  coaniry.  This  they  must  do,  it' 
nacional  prosperity  is  their  ooject.  A  country  divided 
against  itself  cannot  stand;  and  where  law  is  neglected, 
seisms  and  factions  arise,  opposed  to  each  other. 

Had  those  composing  the  old  United  States,  observed 
simple  dutj/  in  regard  to  their  published  laws,  I  nave  no 
hesitancy  in  suying  that  this  bloody  war  would  never  have 
been  instituted.  See  what  desolation,  then,  neglect  of 
duty  to  the  iavvs  pf  our  country  may  bring  about  I 

2.  We  mast  Jijht  for  our  country.  Every  nation  has 
its  time  of  troujie — times  when  its  citizens  must  gird 
themselves  for  the  battle-field,  or  calmly  rest  wiiile  vandals 
torge  chains  for  tlieuj,  and  then  allow  themselv  s  to  be  led 
away  captive.  Shall  another  man  rule  me,  the  free-burn  'i 
N).  Tiia  io^'3  of  frjed  )  n  blis  ma  ciit  oJ*  ciij  ciiains,  and 
meet  the  enemy  face  to  face. 

We  can  conceive  of  nothing  that  would  jusiiPy  one  peo- 
ple in  destroying  another.  As  individuals,  we  are  ever 
ready  to  defend  ourselves  against  thuie  who  desire  to  injure 
us;  and,  bound  together  as  a  nation,  the  same  feeling  of 
self-defence  prompts  us  to  fight  for  the  maintenance  ot  our 
rights.  Our  country  demands,  and  expects  us  to  rescue 
her  from  the  thraiUom  of  the  heartless  invaders.  Our 
mothers,  sisters,  wives,  children — all  expect  us  to  save  oar- 
selves  and  them  from  the  most  disgraceful  bondige.  Hard- 
ships, privations,  satfcring,  and  danger,  we  must  endure, 
for  our  ^ouacry  s  gjoi.  He  is  not  a  patriot,  who  will  mur- 
mur at  any  of  the  necessary  hardships  which  his  country's 
freedom  requires  liim  to  make: 

"  Alore  yet.     The  good  gf'  our  country  requires  us  to 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  113 

keep  ourselves  free  from  all  those  evil  habits  which  tarnish 
character,  depraciate  one's  virtue,  and  make  him  unfit  for 
the  duties  aud  responsibilities  of  dignified  and  useful  cit- 
izenship. 

"  If  all  the  liars,  blackguards,  whoremongers,  gamblers, 
thieves,  extortioners,  blasphemers,  demagogues — if  all  the 
base  and  corrupt  characters  in  any  country^  were  forced  to 
leave  it,  that  country  would  be  much  better,  happier,  and 
stronger,  bee  luse  of  their  removal. 

"  Virtue  in  the  people  is  necessa'ry  to  the  well-being  and 
prosperity  of  govern  men  t,  provided  that  government  rests 
on  virtue  aj  its  foundation.  As,  tharefore,  the  vicious  ore 
a  curse  to  the  country,  if  we  would  be  true  patriots,  we 
must  be  virtuous.  To  be  virtuous,  we  must  thun  vice  in 
whatever  garb  it  presents  itself." 

Shortly  after  tiie  beginning  of  the  fortifications,  the  ex- 
pected re-inlbrcements  came  up;  making  the  entire  com- 
mand something  u\ore  than  lialf  as  great  as  the  still  advanc- 
ing foe.  But  a  few  days  elapsed  before  it  became  evident 
that  the  enemy  intended  attackijig  our  men,  so  soon  as  ihey 
could  prepare  themselves. 

Every  precaution  was  taken  to  prevent  surprises.  Scout- 
ing parties  were  ever  on  the  alert,  uud  Virtus  aimust  always 
out  with  them. 

At  times  some  of  the  brave  scouters  were  captured;  but 
they  took  more  pri.--oners  on  an  average  than  tijey  f)st. 

\V4iun  but  a  few  miles  lay  becween  the  opposing  hosts, 
Gen.  li — was  commanded  to  njuke  a  ''flank  movement" 
with  h'.s  brigade.  This,  his  accurate  knowledge  of  tho 
country  eminently  fitted  him  to  perform.  While  perfect- 
ing bis  hasty  arrangements,  he  sent  for  Virtus,  and  said  : 

"  This  order  is  rather  unexpected  to  me,  and  will  cause 
me  to  disappoint  my  friend,  Mr  Love,  whom  I  had  prom- 
ised to  visit  this  evening  on  important  business.  iSow,  if 
you  will  oblige  me  by  meetin  -  him  in  my  stead,  you  may 

$ 


114  OtTR   OWN    HEROES. 

perhaps  do  so  to  your  own  interest,  should  you  happen  to 
see  Miss  Lula. 

"  If  I  am  competent  to  transact  your  business,  it  will 
afford  uie  much  pleasure. to  do  so.  My  rej^ard  for  yourself 
would  be  a  sufficient  reason  for  my  wiilingness,  if  there 
were  no  possibility  of  seeing  an  acconjplished  lady.  But 
when  the  two  are  united,  I  can  only  say,  General,  1  will  bo 
mos<'  luippy  to  serve  you,"  was  the  reply. 

'•  Then  1  will  unfold  the  businestj  matters  to  you." 

Duly    instructed   as   to  the  matter  of  business,   Virtus 

gladly  set  out  for  the  hoie^  at .     True,  he  might  not, 

after  ail,  see  Miss  Lul;.  ,  but  while  there  was  a  possibility 
of  such  a  thing,  his  tiiougbts  and  feelings  were  kept  buoy- 
ant. 

He  found  Mr.  Love  awaiting  the  general,  and  after  mak- 
ing known  the  reasons  ol  his  absence,  the  two  proceeded 
at  once  to  business.  This  was  soon  arranged  to  their 
mutual  satislaction.  A  very  cordial  invitation  was  extend- 
ed to  Virtus  to  remain  to  supper,  which  was  loudly  second- 
ed by  little  Kate,  who,  seeking  grandpa,  happened  to  coma 
in  just  then. 

"  0  yes,  Mr.  Virtus,  you  must  stay.  Grandma  and  aunt 
Lula  will  both  want  to  see  you.  Come  on  to  the  parlor 
now ;  we  have  just  been  wondering  if  you  would  ever 
come  to  see  us  again ;''  said  she,  in  her  merry,  prattling 
way. 

The  opportunity  was  too  good  to  be  lost — so  thought  our 
hero,  and  consented  to  stay  long  enough  at  least  to  see  into 
the  parlor.  So,  lifting  his  cap,  he  gracefully  entered  the 
parlor,  where  he  met  a  cordial  welcome  from  Mrs.  Morton 
ar.d  Miss  Lula,  who,  grateful  to  him  for  his  numerous  acts 
of  kindness,  admired  a  soldier  of  such  noble  bearing,  and 
a  character  in  which  were  blended  &;o  many  excellencies. 

In  this  feeling  both  the  ladies  were  agreed;  but  the 
whole  truth,  by  a  great  deal,  would  not  be  told,  to  say  that 


Om  OWN    HEROES.  115 

Miss  Lula  did  not  entertain  for  hira  a  different  feeling,  and 
O'je,  too,  of  mucfi  hi^^her  order. 

.  When,  therefore,  the  nobie  Virtu3  entered  the  room,  a 
thrill  or'  bve,  and  of"  almost  sacred  admiration  sent  the  led 
lite-fluid  quick  to  her  beautiful  cheeks  ;  while  her  black 
cjes  were  coruscant  with  tne  h)ly  inQnonce  of  unidulter- 
ateJ  love.  Nor  would  our  hero  have  showu  less  sij^ns  of  a 
kindred  feelin^^  within,  had  not  a  summer's  sun  and  a  sol- 
dier's hardships  darkened  and  rouj:hened  the  skin  oF  the 
most  cleanly  warrior.  It  is  not  extravagant  to  say,  :hat 
those  you  i^  people  loue^l  to  love  each  other. 

The  hero  had  been  seated  but  a  moment,  when  Mrs. 
Morton  inquired  if  a  battle  was  not  imminent. 

'•  les,  Maiam;  before  to-m jrrove's  3u;i  ^03s  down,  many 
a  soilior  will  have  jj  one  to  his  long  homo  !" 

"  How  do  you  feel,  sir,  in  view  of  the  possibility  of  your 
being  among   that   number'/''  inquired   the   motherly  old" 
woman. 

"  I  hope,  madam,  that  I  am  prepared  for  the  loorst,  or 
rather,  I  would  say,  for  the  bsi'. ;  since  I  ha7e  committei 
myself  into  the  hmds  of  Him  who  assures  me  that  'all 
things  work  toi^ether  for  gooi  to  them  that  love  the  Lord.' 
Believing  this  precious  pronise,  X  know  that  every  thing 
will  be  ordered  for  the  best.'' 

"Tlien  you  do  not  fear  to  meet  the  invaders?" 

"  N  ),  maiam.     God  will  take  care  of  me." 

''  Woull  to  (iod,"  sighed  the  old  lady,  "  that  all  our  sol- 
diers were  willing  to  trust  Him.  Would. that  they  all  had 
tin  abiding  sense  or'  God's  favor  1" 

"itwoald  be  a  great  oiiolation."  moiestly  responded 
the  hero,  -'if  they  were  all  Ciiriatians;  for  then  though 
the  missile?  of  death  should  visit  them,  their  souls  would 
but  enter  the  sooner  up  )n  che  joys  of  Heaven.  But," 
looking  at  his  watch,  and  rising  at  the  same  time  to  his 
feic,  ''  £  mast  go — my  brigade  will  be  gone,  or  ready  to 
move  by  the  tim^  I  hasten  back  to  camp." 


115  Otni  OWN   HEROES. 

'^  Can't  you  stay  till  supper  ?  We  would  be  delighted 
to  have  you  do  so  if  you  can." 

»•  Thank  you,  ladies  j  duty  suggests  that  I  hasten  back 
to  my  conaiiaiid.  1  hop»i  1  vriil  see  you  both  again,  if  such 
be  the  will  of  Heaven." 

"  1  hope  so,"  responded  each  of  the  ladies  j  while  tears 
collected  in  their  eyes. 

"  If  you  are  wounded;  we  will  nurse  you  you,"  said 
IVJiss  Luia,  while  love  and  sudnebs  were  beautifully  bleuded 
in  her  countenance. 

*'  Yes,"  interrupted  the  old  lady,  "you  must  order  your- 
self directly  to  us — it  will  honor  ua  to  nurse  so  noble  a  sol- 
dier." 

"  I  certainly  feel  very  grateful  for  such  friends,"  said 
Virtu.>^;  "ard  if  1  i^hou.d  be  wcunded  i  would  deem  it  a 
gr^at  'honor'  to  be  nursed  by  }'ou,"  glancing  at  both  the 
ladits. 

lie  then  thook  (heir  hands  and  departed  ;  the  prayers, 
as  well  as  ihe  admiration  of  the  ladies  accompanying  him. 

Wiss  Lula's  heart  tiutiered  with  anxietv  tor  ti.e  wellare 
of  hiui  upim  \\h(.ni  her  aiiections  were  ail  centred.  "  0, 
that  1  may  be  £0  fortunate  as  to  see  him  aj^uin  1"  she  sighed 
as  his  manly  form  passed  out  of  sigiit. 

"  I  will  cli-  mypcif  tie  justice,"  i«  m  Ived  ( ur  hno,  ''to 
disclose  my  lei-iiiigs  to  this  lady,   if  we  ever   meet  again." 

He  soon  anived  at  canijs  and  iound  his  reuimenT  ready 
touii've.  Snatching  up  his  uiUhket  he  hastily  "fell  in," 
an     thr'  biigade  began  to  move. 

*]  he  cetrign  uf  this  m(ive  was  to  tiank  the  enemy,  and,  if 
possible,  de.->tr'y  his  wagon  trains.  lo  effect  this,  the 
brigade  marched  abcut  tour  ujiies,  through  the  woods,  stop- 
png  but  a  short  distance  fr;)m  the  enemy's  rear,  iricre 
they  slept  on  the  ground  without  biankets  or  fiie. 

About  sunrise  the  next  morning  a  lieavy  fire — artillery 
and  then  mu.-ketry — was  heard  in  the  diiecnon  of  our  lor- 
titicaiiuns.       'ihe    engagement    became    general    about  9 


OtTR  OWN   HEROES.  117 

o'clock,  a.  m.  But  long  before  this  Gen.  B — ,  with  his 
gallant  band,  had  fallen  upon  the  Yankee  rains,  destroying 
theui  in  great  nuiubors.  and  capturing  many  teamsters  and 
stragglers.  The  enemy,  hearing  of  the  damage  that  he 
was  doing  them,  sent  a  regiment  of  infantry  and  one  bat- 
tery, supposing  that  the  movoiuent  in  their  rear  'vas  only 
a  cawlry  raid. 

Apprised  of  their  advance,  he  placed  two  of  his  regi- 
ments in  ambush,  near  the  road,  to  make  complete  work  of 
the  enemy.  When  the  Yankee  roar  had  passed  ihe  van  of 
the  par:y  in  ambush,  a  deliberate  volley  was  poured  into 
their  ranks,  causing  ui  my  a  vandal  to  bite  the  dust.  Im- 
mediately after  tuis  a  cliarge  was  made,  and  nearly  every 
man,  battery  and  all,  was  captured. 

The  work  of  destroying  wagons  was  again  resumed  with 
great  vigor;  audanottur  half  hour  found  most  of  them  in 
ruins. 

Meantime  the  firing  had  been  incessant  in  the  front, 
indicating  that  the  fiercest  of  battles  'was  raging. 

Learning  the  fate  of  the  regiment  and  battery  that  had 
been  sent  to  protect  the  wagoi^s,  the  enemy  now  sent  bai-k 
a  brigade  ot  four  regimonts.  Like  tlieir  predecessors, 
these  met  a  very  similar  fate.  A  deady  volley  was  re- 
ceived from  the  hill  on  the  road^^ide,  while  the  battery 
wiiich  had  been  captured,  cat  long  lanes  through  their 
frantic  columns  !  Tlie  enemy  made  no  stand.  Some  fled 
to  ttie  woods  on  the  other  aide  of  the  road ;  others  made 
their  way,  v. ith  great  speed,  back  to  the  front;  while  many 
wore  captured. 

It  is  proper  to  state  that  all  that  were  captured  were 
sent  otF  into  the  woods,  to  prevent  their  recap. arc,  .--hould 
the  enemy  come  back  in  great  force. 

Up  to  cnis  tinii,  (J-en.  B —  had  not  lost  o*ie  m  m. 

Having  destroyed  the  wagons  the  General  .iscMded  the 
ridge  along  which  he  had  advanced  the  night  oer'ore.  and 
started  iu   the  directioa  of  the   frout.     He  had   not  gone 


118  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

more,  perhaps,  than  three  fourths  of  a  mile,  when  ho  saw 
that  the  enemy  were  retreating.  Choosing  a  very  strong 
position  which  could  not  be  flanked  on  but  one  side  (on 
the  right),  he  resolved  to  meet  the  enemy,'  and  do  him  all 
the  harm  possible.  Accordingly,  his  battery,  which  had 
been  sent  along,  was  placed  in  position,  and  the  troops  were 
Strang  all  along  the  hill  sides,  protected  by  dense,  heavy 
timber. 

When  the  Yankees  approached  within  six  hundred  yards 
of  the  barteay,  it  opened  on  them,  while  a  most  terrific  fire 
greeted  them  from  the  hili-top. 

Pressed  in  front  and  rear,  they  became  panic  stricken, 
and  sought  safety  by  retreating  in  v/ildest  confu-sion,  on  the 
side  of  the  road  where  we  had  no  forces. 

Yet  mmy— very  many  of  them — were  mowed  down, 
before  they  could  reach  the  forest.  The  road  was  strewn 
with  their  dead  and  wounded.  31uskets  and  knapsacks 
were  scattered  promiscuously  wherever  the  flying  foe  had 
passed. 

It  now  became  evident  to  Gen.  B —  that  the  enemy  were 
effecting  their  escape  through  the  woods  on  the  side  of  the 
road  opposite  to  the  position  occupiea  by  his  troops.  He 
accordingly  moved  his  force,  or  two  regiments  of  it  to  his 
right,  so  as  to  iBten-ept  them,  leaving  the  remainder  of  his 
force  to  block  up  the  road.  This  was  indeed  a  dangerous 
move,  as  there  was  a  prospect  of  being  run  over  by  the  stam- 
peding Yankets  ;  and  should  ihey  "pluck  up"  courage 
enough  to  fight,  they  might  easily  over-power  him.  But 
he  made  the  venture,  throwing  the  two  regiments  right 
into  the  path  of  the  enemy.  The  enemy  seeing  hi.s  infe- 
rior force;  prepared  to  charge  over  them ;  but  this  they 
could  not  efl'eet.  The  result  was  Gen.  B —  lost  about  20 
men  ;  while  the  enemy  had  perhaps  100  killed  and  many 
wounded.  Now  that  our  forces  in  the  enemy's  rear,  were 
pressing  hard  upon  them,  and   they  could   not  make   their 


OVR  OWN   ETCROIW.  119 

escape  in  front,  one  division  of  the  Yankee  army  surren- 
dered 

Still  farther  to  Gen.  B — '&  right  the  vandals  ^'erc  making 
their  e?cape  ;  as  soon,  therefore  as  the  pr  soners  were  prop- 
erly cared  for,  he  oidered  his  bri^uade  up  the  road,  at 
'•  double  quick,"  with  the  vie.w  of  obstructint:  the  enemy's 
path.  Nor  was  his  effort  in  vain.  He  gained  their  tront, 
causing  another  division,  (or  nearly  so,)  of  the  enemy  to 
surrender. 

Having  as  many  prisoners  as  he  could  guard,  it  pained  . 
him  that  he  was  denied  the  pleasure  of  oapturing  more  of 
the  robbers.  Able  to  do  no  mere  for  the  present,  he  uiarched 
the  prisoners  back  to  meet  the  commanding  general,  who, 
when  they  met  him,  was  astonished  to  see  the  vast  number 
of  prisoners  captured  by  one  brigade. 

Oan.  li —  reported  to  his  superior  officer  the  direction 
which  the  enemy  had  taken,  and  begged  the  privilege  of 
pursuing  them. 

"  We  have  done  well  enough  for  to-day,"  said  the  com- 
mander ;  "  let  us  make  secure  what  we  now  have." 

It  was  ascertained  that  our  entire  loss  was  146  killed, 
and  372  wounded;  while  that  of  the  enemy  was  1,200 
killed,  2,500  wounded,  and  about  8,000  prisoners. 

This  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant  uflairs  of  the  war. 

Ihe  yankeos,  by  rapid  mvrches,  managed  to  eficct  their 
escape  thrgugh  the  netjrest  gap  in  the  mnuntain  ;  and  Gen. 
B-^  marched  back  to  the  gap  which  he  had  foimerly  guard- 
ed.     His  gallant  conduct  made  him  a  Major  General. 

It  would  be  needless  to  say  that  Vinus  did  his  whole 
duty  in  the  great  battle  which  resulted  so  disastrously  to 
the  yankees.  The  truth  is,  two  of  the  most  important 
movements  made  by  Gen.  B —  in  that  memorable  bai-tle, 
were  first  suggested  by  our  hero. 

In  Gen.  B — 's  account  of  the  battle,  the  following  lan- 
guage occurs  : 

"  It  affords  me  much  pleasure  to  testify  to  the  gallantry 


l20  OUR  OWN   HEROES. 

of  all  the  troops  under  rn}'  coDitnand.  Evcri/  ove  did  his 
duty.  Great  uijuhtice,  however,  would  be  core,  shouid  I 
fail  to  mention  the  important  service  rendered  me  by  pri- 
vate Virtus.  The  most  important  movements — those  which 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  the  greater  part  oi'  two  divisions 
of  the  enemj' — were  made  at  his  instance.  Besides  this, 
no  soldier  could  have  displayed  p-eater  daring  and  coolness 
than  he  exhibited  during  the  entire  engagement.  Ihis  pri- 
vate is  competent  to  be  a  major  general.     *     '^     ^~" 

When  this  report  found  its  way  into  the  papers,  the 
praises  of  Virtus  were  on  almost  every  tongue;  and  "the 
Authorities/'  through  a  friend,  intimated  that  it  would 
afford  them  p  easure  to  promote  our  hero,  should  his  claims 
be  formally  presented. 

When  Gen.  B— received  the  above  information,  he  sent 
for  Virtus  to  visit  his  hccid-quariers,  and  communicated  to 
him  the  fact  that  he  could  receive  an  honorable  appoint- 
ment for  his  galiantry.  When  the  hero  heard  this,  he  re- 
plied : 

"I  am  gratified  that  I  have  been  able  to  do  my  duiy. 
The  pleasure  which  arises  irom  a  censciousness  of  doing 
the  best  I  could,  is  all  the  reward  I  claim.  My  jjj/-m(?j^><es, 
touching  office,  have  not  changed." 

'■'  It  is  needlesa,"  said  the  general,  *'  for  me  to  attempt  to 
persuade  you  against  your  will ;  so  I  suppose  1  shail  have 
to  inform  my  correspondent  that  it  is  useless  to  confer  .of- 
fice on  you." ' 

"I  would  prefer/'  said  Virtus,  "that  you  would  use  a 
little  difi'eu'nt  phraseology,  and  say  that  you  are  unable  to 
ansicer  wij  argu'mcrits  ;  for  my  position  is  bated  upon  argu- 
ments wliuh  you  have  never  answered." 

"  I  accept  the  correction,"  said  the  general. 

Mure  of  the  present  c(nversation  cannot  be  narrated 
here.  Gen.  B — ,  however,  wrote  the  following  letter  to  his 
friend,  in  answer  to  his  intimation  that  Virtus  could  receive? 
au  appoiutment : 


OUR   OWN    HEROES.  121 

Gap,  Aug.  1st,  1861. 


Hon. :  Dear  Sir,  your  favor  of date  has  been 

received,  and  I  hasten  to  reply. 

"  Pnvate  Virtus,  whose  intellect  and  attainments  are  not 
surpassed  in  the  Southern  States,  whose  moral  principles, 
habits,  and  tastes,  are  more  refined  than  those  of  any  young 
man  of  my  whole  aequaiutance,  and  whose  military  ;^enms, 
coolness,  and  valor  are,  in  my  judgment,  unsurpassed,  if 
equalled,  by  those  of  any  youtu  of  his  aj^e — tnis  young 
man,  so  well  ({Ualitied  to  be  a  distinguished  leader,  utterly 
refuses  all  ]  r'nKw.iui].  lie  sustains  his  refasal  by  numerous 
arguments,  which  no  man  in  this  division  of  the  army  can 
retute. 

"  Yet  his  services,  though  a  private,  cannot  be  easily 
estimated  He  is  the  model  for  every  noble  minded  sol- 
dier in  my  brigade ;  and  already  his  influence  is  marked 
in  my  whole  command.  Besides,  when  we  wish  to  find  out 
the  number  and  movements  of  the  enemy — when  any  very 
dangerous  or  importuUt  expedition  Las  to  le  made — Iri- 
vute  Virtus  is  the  man  to  whom  is  entrusted  such  business. 
We  feel  proud  of  him.  The  truth  is,  we  could  dO  better 
without  the  services  of  any  other  man  in  the  division  thun 
without  his;  and  1  am  not  sure  that  the  divLiion  would  not 
suffer  more  by  losing  his  services,  than  those  of  any  ttfficer 
connected  with  it.  His  influence  extends  to  all  grades — 
from  the  private  to  the  general  commanding.  In  a  word, 
he  is  the  aalt  of  this  division.    His  price  is  far  above  rubies. 

^        jf;        ^        ^        >!< 

Signed,  B-. 

3Iaj.  Gen.  Concm'g. 
The  enemy,  it  is  needless  to  s:iy,  gnined  nothing  by  this 
invasion,  save  the  loss  of  nearly  iwo-tliirds  of  their  troops, 
all  their  wagons,  &c.,  and  the  privilege  ol  burning  houses, 
stealing  every  thiug  they  could  carry  with  them,  and  insult- 
ing women. 

When  our  brave  soldiers  settled  down  permanently  at  the 


12%  OUR   OWN    HEUOES, 

Gap,  and  had  had  time  to  rest  themselves  a  little,  our  model 
chaplain,  in  the  presence  of  a   large  audience,  delivered  a 
most  thrilling  sermon  from  the  following   text:  ^'  The  bat- 
tle is  not  to  the  strong." 
He  said  : 

"  It  is  in  accordance  with  human  philosophy  that  the 
heavier  body  should,  w^hon  it  meets  a  lighter  one,  repel  it ; 
but,  in  the  administration  of  human  affairs,  this  is  not  al- 
ways the  case.  '  The  battle  [i.  e.,  the  victory]  is  not  to  the 
strong,'  as  such,  nor  indeed  to  the  weak  :  God  decides  the 
fate  of  every  battle.  To  His  interposition,  we  owe  tbe  re- 
cent great  victory  with  which  our  armies  have  been  crown- 
ed. Truly,  '  He  hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we 
are  (or  should  be)  glad.' 

"  The  present  great  war  was  brought  upon  us,  not  with- 
out a  cause.  God  never  punishes  without  a  reason.  Our 
people  have  sinned  grievously  against  Him,  and  incurred 
His  displeasure  ;  hence  the  present  desolating  war. 

"  It  is  clcur  to  my  mind  that,  if  our  people  would  remove 
the  cause  or  causes  of  the  war,  God  would  bring  the  war  to 
a  speedy  close.  What  are  these  causes  '/  and  how  can  they 
be  removed?  are  questions  of  vital  importance  to  our  na- 
tion. 

"  The  causes  of  the  war  are — 

"  1.  Political  corruption — demagogues,  base  party  lead- 
er.«.  an  abuse  of  the  elective  franchise,  rottenness  in  politi- 
cal parties.  The  people,  generally,  in  giving  their  support 
to  party  rather  than  principle,  sanctioned  the  corruption  of 
their  leaders,  and  thus  virtue  was. driven  from  the  govern- 
ment. 

"2.  The  individual  wickedness  of  the  people,  in  that 
they  have  refused  to  bow  to  the  authority  of  Jesus,  and 
have  neglected  His  claims  upon  them- — this  has  had  much 
to  do  in  bringing  on  the  present  war. 

"  '6.  Religious  corruptions  and  hypocricy — perverting  the 
word  of  God,  and  making  it  subservent  to  worldly  ends, 


OtJR    OWN    HEROES.  123 

assuming  the  garb  of  religion  in  which  raore  successfully 
to  serve  &elf  and  the  devil — tiirtsa  cause-s  have  had  much 
influence  in  spreading  the  mamle  of  moarning  over  the 
country. 

'•  If  wc  would  remove  the  present  evils,  wo  should  first 
remove  their  causes.  Will  we  do  this  ?  ]jot  the  people 
repent  '•  in  dust  and  ashes,"  of  all  their  sins,  and  forsake 
them ;  then  will  God  remove  his  chastening  rod." 

The  discourse  was  well  elaborated,  the  above  being  a 
mere  synopsis.  The  sermon  made  a  fine  impression  upon 
the  minds  of  those  who  heard  it ;  and  many  resolved  that, 
so  far  as  they  were  concerned,  the  causes  of  our  troubles 
should  be  removed. 

The  next  evening  Gen.  B —  delivered  a  lecture  on  the 
following  subject: 

*'  Our  Duty  to  Godr 
Below  are  given  the  principal  points  of  the  discourse:    . 

1.  Wo  ought  to  obey  His  laws.  But  yince  the  whole 
human  family  has  fallen  from  His  love  and  favor,  and  God 
has  provided  a  wa}'  lor  our  escape  from  hell,  we  should — 

2.  Believe  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  sinners.  We 
should  yield  the  most  implicit  obedience  to  every  demand 
which  He  makes  upon  us.  We  should  '  glorify  Him  in  our 
bodies  and  spirits,  which  are  His.' 

3.  We  should  '  walk  in  the  Spirit.'  He  should  be  in- 
vited to  take  up  his  permanent  abode  in  our  hearts 

4.  We  should  love  every  body — enemies  as  well  as 
friends — and  do  all  in  our  power  to  benefit  them. 

5.  The  great  objects  of  li^e  should  be  to  become  as  much 
like  Christ  as  possible,  and  make  as  many  good  impres- 
sions as  we  can  upon  the  minds  of  those  with  whom  we 
associate." 

This  lecture,  like  all  the  others  the  general  had  deliver- 
ed, made  a  fine  impression.  His  men  readily  listened  to 
eyery  thing  that  fell  from  his  lips, 


124  Otm  OWN   HEROES. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  Miss  Lula  failed  to  see  the 
notice,  in  the  papers,  of  our  hero's  conduct:  yet,  unlike 
too  many  women  who  would  murrv  a  man  simply  because 
he  is  an  officer,  she  placed  a  light  value  on  these  newspaper 
puffs,  except  so  fnv  as  the  facts  narrated  in  them  tended 
to  demonstrate  the  true  nobility  of  him  who,  without  appa- 
rent effort,  had  won  her  undivided  affection.  She,  like  the 
noble  Virtus,  thought  little  of  "  bars,"  "  stars/'  and 
'^  wreaths" — intellectual  and  moral  worth,  in  her  estimation, 
were  things  of  highest  value. 

She  was  greatly  delighted  to  know  that  he  passed  through 
the  battle  unhurt;  and  secretly,  yet  modestly,  sighed  that 
she  might  see  him  once  more. 

Nor  did  the  noble  Virtus  fail  to  think  of  the  lovely  Lula. 
*'  But  where  will  she  be  ?  When  shall  I  see  her  again  ?" 
were  questions  which,  to  a  mind  less  disposed  to  confide 
every  thing  to  the  .Vll-Wise,  would  have  been  productive 
of  much  anxiety.  But  Virtus  had  committed  his  interests 
— for  time  and  eternity — into  the  hands  of  Him  Who  hath 
said,  "  All  things  wcjrk  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
Lord."  In  return  for  the  confidence  thus  reposed,  God 
gave  him  that  comfort  and  composure  of  mind,  which  the 
world  can  neither  give  nor  takeaway. 

Those  that  honor  God,  God  will  honor.  And  so  it 
proved  in  the  present  case.  No  man  was  ever  more  esteem- 
ed by  his  associates.  All  the  good  loved  him  -,  while  the 
wicked  seemed  to  stand  in  awe  of  him ;  though  it  was  ap- 
parent that  even  they  showed  him  great  respect,  at  least 
outwardly.  Then,  again,  Providence  had  brought  him 
through  many  dangers,  and  had  conterred  more  honor  upon 
him  in  this  way,  than  falls  to  the  lot  of  many. 

No  hero  of  this  or  any  other  revolution  ever  exercised  a 
more  decided  influence  for  good,  or  shared  more  liberally 
in  their  admiration  and  praises. 

Geu  B —  was  considered  worthy  of  great  respect,  and 
this    was    every  where  awarded  him ;    but  Virtus'    iaflu- 


OrR  OWN'  HEROES.  125 

encf>,  though  he  was  a  mere  private,  was  fullv  as  extensive, 
and  much  more  appreciated  by  the  truly  religious. 

Honesty,  strict  integrity,  and,  above  all,  a  liviug  religion 
shone  pre-eminently  forth  in  the  character  of  our  brave 
hero.  The  mere  mention  of  his  nam^  among  those  who 
knew  him,  was  a  most  potent  argument  in  favor  of  virtue, 
morality,  patriotism,  and  religion.  Whenever,  therefore, 
any  one  in  his  regiment  or  brigade  wir^hod  r.n  elevated 
model  of  valor  or  piety,  he  wonld  refer  unhesitatingly  to 
private  Vinus. 

Furthermore,  it  was  evident  that  the  Boble  character  and 
bearing  of  our  hero,  and  e.-<peciaUy  his  elevation  above  of- 
fice oij  reasons  that  the  sm;vrie>t  generals  had  been  unable 
to  pulldown,  tended  to  make  tlic  privates  content  with  and 
even  proud  of  their  position  ;  whiie  the  distinction  between 
privates  ynd  officers,  in  his  di\ision,  at  hast,  was  through 
his  infiucnce,  ])laccd  on  its  proper  fonndation,  viz  :  o^ciol^ 
not  intdlcdnal  Qv  mortil.  "A  man's  worth,"  said  lie,  in 
conversation  with  an  officer  one  day,  ''  depends  not  upon 
the  accidental  circumstance  of  his  being  an  officer  ;  but  if 
you  would  know  wliat  real  worth  is,  you  must  look  to  a 
man's  moral  principles,  his  intellect;  or  if  you  desire  to 
see  the  highest  order  of  worth,  you  may  find  it  in  him  who, 
bCvsides  having  a  polished  intellect  anl  correct  moral  prin- 
ciples, walks  constantly  with  God.  The  importance  of  a 
man's  existence  may  be  estimated  by  the  amoui't  of  pure 
ujoral  and  religious  light  reflected  in  his  life.  Regard  man 
as  a  mirror,  and  God  as  the  source  of  all  pure  and  holy 
li-ht ;  then  is  his  life  of  most  importance,  \v  ho  reflects  most 
of  this  Heaven-born  light.  This  is  the  correct  principle 
on  v>diich  to  estimate  a  mnn's  happiness,  and.  also,  his  use- 
fulness. That  man  who  reflects,  in  his  life,  nought  but 
influences  Irom  the  evil  spirit,  is  a  curse  to  himself,  to  his 
ftdlow-man,  and  to  the  world."  Noble  sentiments!  worthy 
to  be  embalmed  in  everv  mind  I 

As  soon  as  the  general  had  a  little  leisure  from  his  nume- 


126  OUR   OWN    HEROES. 

rous  and  pressing   enp-agements,  he  invited  Yirtus  to  his 
tent,  where  the  following  conversation  took  place  : 

"  Did  jou  see  Mr.  Love  the  evening  before  the  battle  ?" 
inquired  the  general. 

"  Yes,  sir;  and  attended  to  the  business  you  wished  nie 
fo." 

"  I  am  certainly  much  obliged  to  you.  Did  you  see  the 
fair  Lula?" 

*'  Yes,  sir ;  I  bad  the  pleasure  of  a  few  mements*  conver- 
sation with  her?" 

''  Don't  you  want  a  furlough,"  laughingly  inquired  the 
general,  "  to  go  down  the  road  V 

''  Thank  you,  general ;  while  it  would  affords  me  pleasure 
to  go  under  other  circumstances  ;  it  would  be  time  ill  spent 
so  long  as  ray  services  are  needed  here.  When  it  becomes 
certain  that  we  will  have  a  few  weeks'  leisure,  I  will  not  be 
averse  to  being  absent  one  or  two  days,  though  I  have  vow- 
ed never  to  ask  for  a  furlough  while  the  enemy  desolate  our 
soil,  and  while  I  am  able  to  do  any  thinsr  towards  driving 
them  back.  But  I  don't  know  where  your  friend,  Mr.  Love, 
or  his  family,  will  be,  since  their  palatial  residenoo  has  been 
destroyed." 

"  I  will  find  out,  and  let  you  know.  I  will  write  to  him 
by  the  next  mail." 

"I  am  of  opinion  that  the  enemy  will  make  no  further 
demonstrations  in  this  part  of  the  State,  for  several  weeks  j 
hence  a  few  days  leave  of  absence  for  the  purpose  of  recre- 
ation, would  be  of  advantage  to  you,  and  could  do  th» 
country  no  harm." 

"  Thank  you,  General,  for  all  your  kindness  to  me;  but 
I  would  rather,  when  I  go,  go  under  orders." 

"That  reminds  mo.  1  wish  to  send  some  one  to  the 
battle-field  and  vicinity  to  attend  to  some  important  busi- 
ness. You  are  the  very  man  !  Glad  you  mentioned  it  ! 
If  you  wish  it  I  will  detail  you  to  start  to-morrow." 


Oim   OTTN    HEROES.  12T 

"  What  is  the  character  of  the  Lusiness  ?  Pardon  me 
for  askinp^." 

"  I  wish  the  effects  of  all  nij  old  regiriient,  who  fell  in 
the  late  battle,  sent  to  their  homes  ;  and  I  must  know  how 
our  wounded  are  getting  on,. (for  you  know  thej  were  left 
at  hospitals  near  the  battlefield  )" 

"  Had  you  determined  to  send  some  one  down  there  be- 
fore the  present  conversati  )n  began  ?" 

"  I  had  not  so  determined,  but  I  had  thought  of  it  as  a 
thing  desirable." 

"  I  have  a  decided  objection  to  going,  unless  you  deem 
the  business  important.  To  have  a  plan  fixed  up  for  U)y 
accommodation  merely,  is  what,  in  the  name  of  patriotism, 
rirtue  and  religion,  I  would  most  earnestly  protej-t  against." 

"  I  intend,  not  for  your  accommodation  merely,  but  espe- 
cially because  it  is  humane  to  do  so,  to  look  after  the  effects 
of  our  dead  friends,  and  see  how  the    wounded  are  doing.". 

"  All  I  wished  was  that  if  1  went  en  business  it  might 
be  importaiit  business.  ^Vhile  it  would  afford  me  much 
pleasure,  ordinarily,  to  visit  my  friends,  and  enjoy  .erne 
relaxation  from  haidships,  I  know  I  should  be  much  dis- 
aatisfied,  even  in  the  presence  of  those  whom  I  esteem 
most  highly,  should  I  be  absent  from  the  post  of  duty; 
yet  if  duty  calls  me  where  those  friends  are.  I  would  most 
gladly  call  to  see  them." 

After  Virtus  closed  the  above  remarks  there  was  a  pause 
for  a  few  memenis,  during  which  time  some  such  thoughts 
as  shes*i  passed  through  the  General's  mind  : 

"Noblest  of  the  noble!  Here  is  a  Southern  youth  in 
whom  there  is  not  the  least  shadow  of  guile  I  I  would 
rather  possess  his  intelligence,  his  moral  principles,  and  his 
living  faith — in  fine,  I  would  rather  be  private  Virfvi  than 
to  be  King  of  earth.  He  is  one  whom  God  delights  to 
honor.  A  better  rounded  character  I  have,  never  seen.  If 
the  walii  of  the  New  Jerusalem  are  built  up  with  the 
most  precious  stones,  his  character  is  made  of  the  most  ex- 


\2S  OTTR   OWN   HEROES. 

cellent  principles,  graces  and  propricticB.  If  '  An  hone  ft 
man  is  the  noblest  .work  of  God,'  then  should  this  \outh 
be  esreemed  among  the  noblc'^t,  if  not  the  noblest  of  the 
nob^e.*' 

At  length  the  General  broke  the  silence  by  saying:  "  I 
fully  appreciate  your  principles.  You  would  bo  glad  for 
(7w/y  to  lead  you  to  the  place  where  Mhs  Lula  rs ,  yet, 
much  as  you  would  be  delighted  to  see  her,  you  are  unwil- 
ling to  absent  yourself  from  the  army  on  a  flimsy  pretext. 
This  reveals  to  me  the  importunt  fact,  viz :  that  dvfi/  in 
your  case,  is  stronger  even  than  hve ;  while  the  reverse 
is  true  as  a  general  rule. 

"  Now,  my  dear  sir,  the  disclosure  of  this  fact  elevates 
you  more  in  my  estimation  thyn  if  you  had  performed  one  of 
the  grandest  feats  known  to  chivahy.  let  1  must  send 
some  one  to  attend  to  thciO  matters,  previously  Uieritioned, 
and  to  attend  to  other  busines  of  importance;  and  I  know 
of  no  one  to  whom  I  could  entrust  them  so  well  as  to  your- 
self. }i'  you  object  to  going  on  this  basis,  there  is  only 
one  other  way  in  which  it  is  possible  for  you  to  go." 

'•What  'way'  is  that?"  inquired  Virtus. 

''  I  shall  'have  to  detail  you,  with  your  consent  Of 
course,  I  will  not  send  you  icithout  your  consent." 

"Then  make  the  detail,  and  I  am  ready  to  be  gone." 


^ 


